Chigumbura joins Northants

Elton Chigumbura, who has scored more than 2,500 runs for Zimbabwe, will fill the role of overseas player at Wantage Road

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Northamptonshire have signed Zimbabwe all-rounder Elton Chigumbura as their overseas player this season.

The county have also announced the capture of Lancashire-born batsman Vishal Tripathi, following last week’s move for India batsman in Virender Sehwag for the Friends Provident t20.

The signings go some way to covering the loss of former Kolpak pair Johan van der Wath and Riki Wessels last month.

Medium-pacer Chigumbura joins for the entire season, subject to international commitments. The 24-year-old has played in six Tests, 108 one-day international and eight Twenty20 internationals.

He has 99 international wickets to his name and has scored over 2,500 runs in all forms for Zimbabwe.

Northants head coach David Capel said: “We are pleased to confirm that Elton will be joining us for the 2010 season. He is a talented young, athletic cricketer who has already played in over 100 ODIs for Zimbabwe.

“It is clear through watching him play against the West Indies recently that he is an energetic, effervescent and enthusiastic cricketer, who is very keen to improve his game.

“I know that Elton sees this as a massive opportunity, and is looking forward to joining us as soon as possible.”

Tripathi, 22, who also bowls leg-spin, has joined on an initial three-month contract with a view to extending the deal.

Capel added: “This is a good opportunity for Vishal to impress everyone at Northants Cricket during his initial three-month phase. He is a bright, young all-round cricketer.”

Tripathi said: “I’m delighted to have signed for Northants Cricket. I’ve been given a great opportunity to show what I can do at second XI and first XI levels.

“I’m grateful of the opportunity and hopefully I can show everyone what I can do as an up and coming young player.”