Tamim Iqbal signs for Essex for eight-match Blast spell

London [UK], July 8 (ANI): Bangladesh opener Tamim Iqbal has signed with Essex for an eight-match spell at the ongoing NatWest T20 Blast. The Bangladesh opener will join Pakistan pacer Mohammad Amir as the second overseas signing and will be available to play for the side from Sunday's game against Kent. The left-hander links up with the Eagles following a successful Champions Trophy campaign, including a hundred against England, and Essex head coach Chris Silverwood believes he will prove to be an excellent addition. "Tamim has shown how good a player he is in the recent Champions Trophy competition. As a batsman he is capable of being destructive and that is reflected in his career strike rate," said Silverwood. "We identified the opening berth as an area we wanted to strengthen and we are thrilled to get a player of Tamim's calibre into the Club. He will bolster the side for eight games and we look forward to his arrival," he added. The 28-year-old is thrilled to be joining Essex and added: "I am really looking forward to linking up with my Essex team mates for the upcoming NatWest T20 Blast. "I have played plenty of cricket with and against the likes of Ravi Bopara, Ryan ten Doeschate and Ashar Zaidi, so I'm sure it will be an environment I will settle into quickly." "I always enjoy playing cricket in England and hope to help Essex make a big impact in the competition," he added. Tamim has so far played 49 Tests, 173 ODIs and 56 T20 Internationals for Bangladesh. (ANI)