Northamptonshire have signed the former Gloucestershire all-rounder Michael Cawdron on a two-year contract.

Cawdron – who celebrates his 27th birthday on Sunday – was one of five players released from Nevil Road at the end of the season.

He joined the Gloucestershire staff in 1994 and made his first-class debut five years later, claiming 5-35 in his first Championship match against Hampshire at Bristol.

The Luton-born player also announced his arrival on the Sunday League scene in style with a hard-hitting half-century off the Essex attack at Cheltenham College – his old school - in 1995.

"We have been interested in Michael on several occasions in the past," said Chief Executive Steve Coverdale.

"He played his part in Gloucestershire's one-day successes, especially in 1999, and he will hopefully have more opportunities here to show just what he can do."

"He is a talented cricketer and comes to us highly recommended."

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