Gallian signs for Essex

The former England opener, Jason Gallian, has joined Essex on a two-year deal after parting company with Nottinghamshire.

Gallian, 36, played in three Tests for England in 1995, and has amassed over 14,000 first-class runs at an average of just under 40, in a senior career that started in 1990.

He has amassed 36 first-class centuries in that time, including a best of 312 for Lancashire against Derbyshire in 1996 - the highest score ever recorded at Old Trafford.

"We are all delighted that Jason has agreed to join us," Essex's chief executive, David East, told essexcricket.org.uk. "He has a very impressive record and his vast experience will greatly assist our young and exciting batsmen to develop over the next few years.

"Jason is very excited about this next stage in his career and is looking forward to joining what he describes as a young and vibrant squad that is going places."

Gallian has been an integral member of the Nottinghamshire side that is set, this week, to clinch promotion to the first division of the County Championship. He has been ever-present in the team with 835 runs at 37.95, but his contract expires at the end of the year, and he is ready to inject some experience in a youthful Essex squad.

"It has been pretty evident this season that we are in need of a couple of senior batsmen to work with our talented youngsters," said Essex's first-team coach, Paul Grayson. "Jason is a guy I've played against a lot who has an excellent first-class record. He will be a good bloke in the dressing room and it is just as important to bring in good characters as well as good players.

"I'm sure he will enjoy batting at Chelmsford," said Grayson, "and we hope he will be a banker for a 1000 runs over each of the next couple of years." Gallian is the third player to have been signed by Essex for the 2008 season - seam bowlers David Masters of Leicestershire and Chris Wright of Middlesex have already joined the squad.