Mumbai have been spying a new strike bowler after losing off-spinner Harbhajan Singh for the whole event because of his ban and their two-week search has ended with the signature of South Africa fast bowler Nel.

Nel, 30, in his third spell with the club after stints in 2005 and 2007, was scheduled to make his last appearance in Sunday’s Friends Provident Trophy game against Middlesex Crusaders but will now bow out early.

“I would like to thank Essex in granting my request to end my time with them early, in order to take up a contract with the Mumbai Indians,” Nel told Essex’s website.

“As always, I have enjoyed my stay with Essex enormously and the excellent way I continue to be treated by the club bodes well for our future relationship should I get another chance to return.”   

Essex Chief Executive David East added: “The club has given its full backing to Andre with his request to leave after the Kent game on Friday.

“It is an honour for Essex to have players in their ranks who are attracting the attention of those teams competing in the Indian Premier League.

“We thank Andre for all his efforts during this latest stint with the county. Once again he has proved a very popular member of our dressing room and has played his part in the team’s excellent start to the campaign.”

Nel appeared in three Championship and three Friends Provident Trophy matches thus far in 2008, picking up 10 wickets at an average of 34.10 in four-day cricket and three wickets at 37.33 in the FPT.

Nel is set to make his debut for the Mumbai Indians, under the captaincy of Sachin Tendulkar, in Sunday’s game against Deccan Chargers.

Pakistan leg-spinner Danish Kaneria will take up his duties as overseas player from Wednesday when Essex play Leicestershire at Chelmsford.