ALL-ROUNDER Liam Dawson has left Essex but the county have brought in Ravi Patel.

Dawson was on loan from Hampshire and featured three times for Essex but returned to his parent club following the T20 Blast victory over Middlesex on Friday.

Patel, 23, has joined on a short-term loan from Middlesex and was included in the squad for the County Championship match Kent.

His first victim for the county was Kent batsman Joe Denly, who was bowled by Patel for 69.

Dawson made an impact during his loan and scored 99 against Glamorgan in Essex’s Championship win last week.

“We’re disappointed to lose Daws, but we totally understand the reasons,” said Essex head coach Paul Grayson.

“In the short time with us, it was hopefully good for his form and he made a good contribution for us as well.

“Ravi is one of the best young spinners in the country.

“Obviously he is not playing much cricket and the moment, and we welcome him to the squad for the game at Tunbridge Wells.”

  • Jesse Ryder’s explosive innings helped Essex to a four-wicket victory against Middlesex in their Twenty20 Blast South Group match at Chelmsford on Friday night to keep them on course for a quarter-final place.

The New Zealander reached 59 from just 27 deliveries, with two sixes and eight fours in his innings as Essex surpassed their opponents’ 150 for five total with eight balls to spare.