Warwickshire have stepped up their preparations for next season by signing Willetton and Essex opening batsman Varun Chopra.

Chopra, 22, a former captain of the England Under-19 side, has signed a three-year deal at Edgbaston after leaving his home county. He played 48 first-class and 34 one-day games for Essex.

Warwickshire director of cricket Ashley Giles said "Varun is a skilled young batsman with scope to develop further and we are delighted that he has chosen to commit his future to Warwickshire."

Chopra said: "The combination of joining one of the country's biggest clubs, playing at a Test match ground and working with Ashley Giles was too good an offer to refuse."