Colchester and East Essex Cricket Club have been boosted by the signing of Kiwi teenager Cam Hawkins, ahead of a brand new season.

The talented 19-year-old, who hails from Christchurch, has most recently been playing his cricket Down Under for Mosman CC.

Hawkins, who can bat and bowl, has also played for Sydney University and was part of the New South Wales under-19 Academy, in Australia.

He replaces fellow Kiwi Tom Blundell, who was Colchester’s overseas player in 2013.

Newly-installed Colchester first-team captain Ben Stephens says the club are delighted to welcome Hawkins to Castle Park.

Stephens said: “He’s a young lad who can bat top three and he also bowls a bit of leg spin, too.

“He’s a very promising young talent and we’re very pleased to have him here.”

For more on this story and all of the latest Colchester and East Essex CC news, see Thursday's Daily Gazette.