Having already played for Essex in two short spells, the South African agreed to return once more at the start of the 2008 campaign.

Initially joined Essex in August/September 2005 when he made an instant impact with a wicket off his first ball in the Championship match with Somerset at Colchester. Followed that up by playing a part in the County’s title-clinching match against Hampshire in the totesport League at the same venue.

Nel came back to The Ford County Ground in 2007 once his participation in the ICC Cricket World Cup ended at the semi-final stage. Although the pace man struggled for form, on the back of a tough international winter, he ended on a high with 3-15 in the Friends Provident Trophy against Sussex at Hove in early June.

Another period with the County is due to begin once his domestic campaign ends, until May 18, after which Danish Kaneria will return as overseas pro.

Nel has claimed over 100 wickets in both Test and ODI cricket for South Africa.

His first spell in county cricket came in 2003 when he played for Northamptonshire.