Essex have signed wicketkeeper Robbie White on loan from Middlesex on a two-month deal.
The capture of White stems the crisis which had developed at Chelmsford after injuries to both Adam Wheater (thumb) and Michael Pepper (appendicitis) left them with no viable replacement.
White, 23, made his County Championship debut for Middlesex last season and will be permitted to play against his parent club when they meet Essex in the Royal London One-Day Cup on April 19.
Angus Fraser, Middlesex managing director of cricket, commented: “My sympathies go to both of Essex’s injured players – but their misfortune has created a great opportunity for Robbie to gain further first team experience.
“Robbie can only benefit from playing during this period and it would be foolish to turn this win, win situation down.”
