Essex sign James Franklin for t20

Essex have signed James Franklin, the New Zealand allrounder, as their second overseas player for the Friends Life t20.

Franklin, 31, joins Peter Siddle, the Australia fast bowler, in Essex's line-up and has plenty of previous experience in county cricket Gloucestershire and Glamorgan. He is currently playing in the IPL for Mumbai Indians and was also part of the Big Bash League in Australia with Adelaide Strikers.

Paul Grayson, the Essex coach, said: "We are delighted to welcome James to the club. He obviously has huge county experience having played here a few seasons. He has shown his ability in the 20-over format of the game with his outstanding IPL record. He is a genuine allrounder in this format and adds further quality to the talented and strong squad."

In his Twenty20 career Franklin has made 2086 runs at 33.11 with a high score of 90 and taken 49 wickets at an economy rate of 8.31. Essex begin their FLt20 campaign against Surrey, at The Oval, on June 13.