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County club, Essex have signed Indian batsman Gautam Gambhir for the remainder of the season of County Championship . The 31-year-old opener batsman will replace the New Zealand opener Hamish Rutherford, who will be heading home to prepare for New Zealand's domestic and international season. Gambhir is expected to play match against Northamptonshire in Colchester, on August 20. "We are delighted with the signing of Gautam Gambhir, " Essex head coach Paul Grayson said. "He is a player with pedigree, which has been showcased on the biggest stages. He will no doubt bring his experience to the squad during an important stage of the season for us." Gambhir is the first Indian player, who signed for a county in this season. Last year, Harbhajan Singh represented Essex .

Essex have signed their second overseas player the New Zealand allrounder, James Franklin for the Friends Life t20. Franklin is currently playing for Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League and was also part of the Adelaide Strikers in Big Bash League. The coach of Essex, Paul Grayson 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. "

Australian right-arm fast-medium bowler Peter Siddle has signed with Essex in English county for the upcoming summer Twenty-20 campaign. Siddle will join the squad for the opening game on June 13 against Surrey Lions. Essex head coach Paul Grayson said, " We are delighted to have signed Australia's premier bowler in Test cricket. "