ADI Ashok can bring the ‘X factor’ to Castle Park after making his long-awaited debut for Colchester and East Essex Cricket Club.

That’s the view of first XI skipper Charlie Fernandes, who says the Kiwi leg spinner is an exciting signing for the Hamro Foundation Essex League premier division high fliers.

Ashok, who plays for Auckland, has arrived at Colchester as their new overseas signing after finally having his playing visa granted, following a frustrating four-week delay.

The 20-year-old, who recently received a maiden call-up to the Black Caps’ A squad and has already played for them at under-19 level, is a prolific wicket-taker in New Zealand First Class cricket.

He made his Colchester debut in their tied game at Brentwood on Saturday, scoring 65 and claiming his first wicket in England.

Colchester first-team captain Fernandes said: “He looks like New Zealand’s next hot prospect, in terms of spin bowling which is really exciting.

“He also bats, which is a massive bonus.

“He’ll be batting up the order for us as well.

“My younger brother Simon was over in Auckland during the winter, which is how we managed to make the link and get him over here.

“It’ll be really exciting to see how he goes.

“It’s something we lacked in the middle last season, with me bowling my slightly dodgy off spin and others chipping in.

“It was a period where particularly in the timed cricket, we struggled for a wicket-taking spinner to bowl through the middle.

“That’s why we’ve gone for a leggy – we think it’s going to bring that X factor that can hopefully win us those tight games, turn those draws into wins and maybe those losses potentially into draws by controlling that run rate etc.

“The template we’re going for at the moment is bringing someone over who’s really keen to develop.

“It gives them a great opportunity as well as providing us with something and it’s that two-way relationship, which I think is really key.”

Ashok’s is set to make his home Premier League debut for Colchester when they host Wanstead and Snaresbrook, on June 17.

Admission is free for the match at Castle Park with a free live stream also available on the Colchester & EE Play Cricket Match Centre and on YouTube.