Nottinghamshire's search for an experienced batsman ended today when they completed the signing of Rusell Warren from Northamptonshire.

A new middle order strokemaker was targeted following the retirement of veteran Paul Johnson and Notts have moved quickly to secure the signature of 31-year-old Warren on a three-year deal.

He said: "I think now's a good time to try and further my career and I'm delighted to make the switch to Notts.

"Promotion to Division One in the County Championship helped me make up my mind because every cricketer wants to play at the top level.

"But I also believe there's a great squad at Notts and I wanted to be part of what looks like being a very exciting and successful time.

"Trent Bridge is accepted on the circuit as one of the premier grounds in the country, producing good cricket wickets and hopefully it will be a great place for me to play my cricket."

Warren made his debut for Northants in 1992 and was capped three years later. He is approaching 6,000 first class runs, has 10 first class centuries to his name and boasts a healthy career average of 36.27.

Notts' Director of Cricket Mick Newell said: "Northants have decided to let Russell go as part of their current restructuring and we are very pleased he'll be joining us at Notts.

"He's been a pretty successful batsman for them, scoring heavily down the years and I think the pitches here at Trent Bridge will suit his game.

"His arrival will increase competition for places and he has kept wicket in the past so will give us an added option should Chris Read get back into the England squad."

© Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club