ESSEX have pulled off a coup by securing a deal for Australian paceman Shaun Tait for this year's Twenty20 competition.
The 30-year-old – who is credited with the second-fastest ball ever in international cricket against England in 2010 – has taken more than 300 wickets in one-day cricket.
He played three Tests, 35 ODIs and 19 T20Is for Australia before calling time on his international career two years ago to focus on playing the shortest format of the game.
He has previous experience in England from spells with Durham and Glamorgan, and has also represented Adelaide Strikers in the Big Bash League and Chittagong Kings in the Bangladesh Premier League.
He will play alongside Owais Shah at the Rajasthan Royals in the IPL and is also part of the MCC's T20 squad for a tournament against Warwickshire and Sussex later this month.
One Essex man who has already seen Tait in action is Ryan ten Doeschate, who lined up alongside the South Australian in Bangladesh, where the Kings reached the final.
Ten Doeschate, who himself has signed a two-year contract extension at the County Ground this week, said: "It's a great signing.
"He still bowls really quick. He's one of those guys who is just past his best but he's still really quick and I think that's a major asset in Twenty20 cricket.
"He bowls a very good yorker and a very good bouncer which no one likes.
"If we can manage him properly about when we bowl him then he could be an asset."
Tait will be with the Eagles for their whole campaign – which kicks off against holders Hampshire Royals on Friday June 28 – including any potential quarter-final and Finals Day.
Head coach Paul Grayson said: "Shaun is an outstanding Twenty20 bowler who has genuine pace and ability.
"We welcome him to the Club for the Twenty20 campaign and are hopeful of success with him in the team."
