28 year-old Gregor Macmillan has signed a one year contract with Gloucestershire. The 6"5' former Oxford University player left Leicestershire at the end of last season. He has scored 1848 runs in first class cricket at an average of 27.58 and taken 23 wickets. Gloucestershire are in need of some good batting performances and Macmillan could provide this. He also bowls occasional off breaks.

It is likely that he will make his Gloucestershire debut against his former county in the AXA game on Sunday.

• Elsewhere, the second XI drew their latest championship match against Essex at Chelmsford. Benjamin Gannon took 4-75 in the first innings and Domonic Hewson took 4-16 in the second innings. After being dropped from the first XI, Dawson made 58 and 19 year-old opener Paul Lazenbury who played in Gloucestershire's successful under 19's team last year made 57. Reserve keeper Williams made 83 not out in the second innings.