Ricky Anderson, the former Essex paceman, has signed for Northamptonshire on a long-term contract.

The 25-year-old rejected the terms offered him by Essex and becomes the sixth new signing at Wantage Road since the end of last season.

Northants Chief Executive Steve Coverdale said: "We've been in discussions with Ricky since Christmas, having learned that there was a prospect of him being available."

"He is one of the most promising young bowlers in the country who has invariably done well against us in the past. We had followed his progress because he was a member of our own Centre of Excellence squad several years ago."

"Last summer he had one of the best strike-rates in the country before he was injured and missed the second half of the season. He's now on the road to recovery and we look forward to him playing a very big part for Northamptonshire for many years to come."

Anderson recorded his career-best bowling figures – 6-34 and 11-111 in the match – against Northants at Ilford in 2000. Last season he made seven Championship appearances for Essex, claiming 29 wickets at 22.93.

He joins fellow newcomers Gerry Brophy, Mike Cawdron, Ben Phillips, Carl Greenidge and Tom Baker in the Northants squad for 2002.

© Northamptonshire CCC