Nel returns to Essex

Andre Nel, the South African pace bowler, will return to Essex for the first part of the 2007 season once his participation at the World Cup is complete. The club are also close to securing Andy Bichel for the second section of the summer.

Essex are still waiting for formal approval from Cricket South Africa, but Nel is expected to arrive once South Africa's run at the tournament in West Indies is over and stay until mid June.

It will be Nel's second stint at Chelmsford after a short period last season where he made a positive impact, playing a role in Essex's Pro40 title win. Previously he played a full season for Northamptonshire in 2003.

David East, the chief executive, said: "Andre was a huge asset to us in the brief time he was at Essex in 2005. He is a wholehearted competitor and is sure to make a significant early season impact in both one-day and championship cricket."

When Nel departs it is hoped Bichel will take his place and those negotiations are being finalised. The two pacemen will share one overseas slot during 2007 with Danish Kaneria, the Pakistan legspinner, holding the other position throughout the season.