Shah secures Essex move

Former England batsman Owais Shah has signed a two-year deal with Essex as he looks to rebuild his career. Shah, 32, was released by Middlesex at the end of last season in controversial fashion, finding out about his departure in the press - something the club later apologised for.

Having been with Middlesex all his career it was an unceremonious ending but he signed off by making 117 against Worcestershire at Lord's in his final game for the club. Since making his debut in 1996, Shah has made over 14,000 first-class runs and played six Tests for England.

His move to Chelmsford was widely expected and, despite being out of international cricket for over a year, Essex coach Paul Grayson still believes Shah has an England future.

"Owais is the sort of high quality batsman that we have lacked since Ronnie Irani and Andy Flower retired," Grayson said. "He's probably one of the top three batsmen not currently playing international cricket alongside Mark Ramprakash and Marcus Trescothick.

"It's a fresh challenge having been with one club for so long. Hopefully we can help him get his England place back which is what he tells us he wants."