LONDON (Reuters)
Zimbabwe's Andy Flower, currently rated the world's top batsman, has joined Essex for the 2002 English county season, the club said on Monday.

The wicketkeeper-batsman, who has been the target of English counties for several seasons, averages over 56 in Tests - just behind Sachin Tendulkar but ahead of West Indian Brian Lara. The former Zimbabwe captain, currently on tour in Bangladesh, has also played 184 one-day internationals.

Essex chief executive David East said: "He will be a terrific asset to us in both championship and one-day cricket. I am delighted."

No details of Flower's financial contract were released. Zimbabwe's players were reportedly close to striking last month during a one-day series against England after not being paid for six weeks.

Flower, who scored his 12th Test century on Friday against Bangladesh, will join Essex in May next year after touring Australia. He will leave the club again in September to take part in the ICC Knockout Trophy.

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