ESSEX have confirmed the signing of Bangladesh international opening batsman Tamim Iqbal.

The big-hitting Tamim has agreed to feature in eight Natwest T20 Blast clashes and will link-up with his new team-mates tomorrow.

Tamim, 28, is set to make his debut when Essex travel to Kent on Sunday.

An experienced international cricketer, Tamim has played 49 Tests, 173 ODIs and 56 T20 internationals for Bangladesh.

With an exceptional record in all formats and a career T20 strike rate of close to 120, Tamim will bolster the Eagles’ top order.

Tamim impressed for Bangladesh in the Champions Trophy last month, as he finished as the tournament's third highest run scorer despite only batting in four innings.

Tamim top scored with 128, while he also notched two half-centuries.