Essex reinforce bowling stocks with Umesh Yadav for County Championship title race

A veteran of 57 Tests, Yadav replaces New Zealander Doug Bracewell, whose successful spell at the county came to an end in July

Essex have signed India fast bowler Umesh Yadav for the County Championship run-in.

Yadav, 35, spent part of last season at Middlesex, whom he will face as part of a three-match stint at Chelmsford.

A veteran of 57 Tests, 75 ODIs and nine T20Is, Yadav replaces New Zealander Doug Bracewell, whose successful spell at the county came to an end in July.

Bracewell had initially been signed late on at the start of the season after a deal for Australian allrounder Will Sutherland was curtailed by a back problem.

^{Umesh Yadav played for Middlesex last summer (Alex Davidson/Getty Images)}

But Yadav joins Simon Harmer as overseas players in a formidable bowling attack, which also features Sam Cook and Jamie Porter.

Yadav hasn't played competitively since featuring in the World Test Championship final for India against Australia at the Kia Oval.

As well as debuting against Middlesex at Chelmsford, he will also be available for Essex's clashes with Hampshire and Northamptonshire, with Anthony McGrath's side firmly in the Division One title race.

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