Essex Cricket sign Laurie Evans from Surrey on white-ball deal
The 39-year-old batter has won the Big Bash League with Perth Scorchers
Essex Cricket have confirmed the signing of Laurie Evans, who joins the club from Surrey.
The right-handed batter has agreed to a one-year white-ball contract, which includes an option to play in the County Championship.
Born in Lambeth, London, Evans brings a wealth of experience across domestic and global cricket.
The 39-year-old has previously represented Surrey, Warwickshire and Sussex, and has an impressive record on the global franchise T20 circuit.
His arrival bolsters Essex's batting options ahead of next season's T20 Blast campaign, with the option to feature in the County Championship.
Evans said he is "really excited to be joining Essex".
"It's a county with a proud history, and I'm looking forward to getting started and contributing to what we want to achieve as a team: entertaining our supporters, winning games and lifting trophies," Evans said.
"I have been fortunate enough to play in different environments around the world, and I hope that I can bring that experience into the Essex dressing room," he said.
"I want to make a positive impact while I'm here, both on and off the field. I can't wait to meet everyone and get out there in an Essex shirt next year, playing in front of what I know is a great fanbase here in Chelmsford and across the county," Evans said.
The batter has represented a host of franchises around the world, including Perth Scorchers, Barbados Royals, Abu Dhabi Knight Riders, Multan Sultans, Colombo Kings, Quetta Gladiators, St Kitts and Nevis Patriots, and Rajshahi Kings.
Evans won the most recent edition of the Big Bash League in Australia, lifting the title with Perth Scorchers in January.
Having competed in Australia, Pakistan, the Caribbean, Bangladesh and the UAE, Evans has faced some of the world's leading bowlers across a variety of T20 competitions.
He also has extensive experience in The Hundred, having represented Oval Invincibles, now MI London, Manchester Originals, now Manchester Super Giants, and Birmingham Phoenix.
Since making his T20 debut for Surrey in 2009, Evans has made 382 career appearances in the format, scoring almost 8,000 runs in 344 innings.
His record includes 44 half-centuries, three centuries and a career-high score of 118 not out.
Evans' career-best of 118 not out came from just 60 balls in a T20 Blast fixture against Glamorgan at Sophia Gardens in 2023.
Opening the batting, he struck 12 fours and six sixes to help Surrey secure a 65-run victory.
Essex's Director of Cricket, Chris Silverwood, said the club is "delighted to welcome Laurie to the squad".
"Laurie has been part of successful teams around the world, bringing an exciting, attacking brand of cricket alongside a wealth of experience that will be a real asset to the Club," Mr Silverwood said.
"As well as adding valuable runs to the side, Laurie's experience and knowledge will be invaluable in supporting the development of our younger players. His ability to help lead both on and off the field will also be a huge benefit to the squad," he said.
"I'm very excited to welcome Laurie to Essex and look forward to working with him ahead of the 2027 season," Mr Silverwood said.
Evans will wear the number 32 shirt for Essex.