Cricket: Jesse Ryder signs for English county side

England county cricket side Essex has signed Jesse Ryder for the 2014 season.

The troubled Black Cap will join the side in early May and is expected to play a part in all three formats of the game.

Essex CEO Derek Bowden says while they're aware of Jesse's history, he was a perfect fit into their side.

"Obviously with players going back on England duty and the inevitable one or two injuries, there's a need to bring in somebody to strengthen the squad.

"We really wanted somebody who could play all three formats of the game and Jesse fits the bill.''

Bowden says Essex will provide Ryder with a perfect place to get away from his past and re-build his international chances.

"On one hand its a change of scenery and if Jesse is absolutely focused on repairing the past as it were and get back into the Test side then there's no better place to do it.''

The club has already laid down the law with Jesse Ryder.

"He's had some issues in the past. They can't be repeated. We've pretty much got a zero tolerance policy towards all of that.

"If he's open with us, we'll be open with him. As a cricketer he has a lot to offer.''

Ryder is likely to head over to England in early May, but is waiting on visa approval.