Essex captain Mark Pettini has tipped batsman Matthew Walker to make a big impact in his first year with the club.
Walker, 35, joined Essex on a two-year contract at the end of last season after being released by Kent.
Pettini told BBC Essex: "He's been superb for us, a really great signing and has fitted in straight away.
"He's played for a number of years in county cricket and looks an extremely good player and has certainly strengthened our squad."
Pettini added: "When we played against him at Kent he used to be a real pain and a thorn in our side and we could never get him out."
Walker has already made a strong start to his Essex career, hitting three half-centuries in four innings in their successful pre-season tournament in Abu Dhabi last month.
During his first-class career with Kent, he hit 25 centuries and averaged 36.31 in 183 matches and three centuries in the limited-over game.
Essex open their season at home to Derbyshire in the County Championship on Wednesday, 15 April.
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