Chelmsford, June 19 (IANS): Essex has secured the services of South African fast-bowling all-rounder Eathan Bosch on a short-term deal, encompassing four Vitality County Championship matches.

This timely addition comes as Essex sits just two points behind leaders Surrey at the halfway mark of the competition, with a crucial fixture against Durham looming at Chelmsford.

Bosch, 26, brings a wealth of experience and talent to the Essex squad. Since making his first-class debut for KwaZulu-Natal in 2017, he has claimed an impressive 92 wickets in 38 matches. Additionally, Bosch has shown considerable prowess with the bat, amassing 1,053 runs at an average of 22.89, including a century and seven fifties.

Expressing his enthusiasm for the new opportunity, Bosch said, "I'm super excited to be here. It was a pretty easy deal to accept, and I'm looking forward to my time with the Eagles. It will be nice to play outside of South Africa and see what my skills can bring to the table. It will definitely be a learning experience, but I'm looking forward to experiencing a bit more of the country, and especially Chelmsford!" said in a statement released by the club.

Essex's Head Coach Anthony McGrath shared his excitement about Bosch’s arrival, stating, "Eathan is a terrific addition to us, and we're delighted to welcome him to the team. There's huge value in a well-stocked seam bowling cupboard, and with his experience of bowling in different conditions, he will add a new dimension to our attack. He will also be able to push everyone around him to new heights, which will be extremely beneficial as the Championship season heads towards its finale."

Bosch’s signing is particularly strategic given recent squad movements. Fellow seamer Ben Allison has been loaned to Worcestershire for two Championship fixtures, a repeat of a similar short-term move made at the end of the 2023 season. McGrath emphasized the developmental benefits of this arrangement for Allison, stating,

"This is an excellent opportunity for Ben to get game time while not compromising on the quality of cricket he will play. He is still developing as a cricketer, and the most important thing for him now is simply to be playing; as such, this is a great chance for him, and we're looking forward to seeing how he gets on," he said.

Bosch’s arrival at Chelmsford comes at a pivotal time for Essex. As they prepare to face Durham, his addition to the squad is expected to enhance their bowling attack significantly. With the Championship title race heating up, Bosch’s ability to contribute both with the ball and the bat could prove crucial in Essex’s quest for glory.