Somerset has confirmed Azhar Ali’s return to the club in 2019. The 33-year-old will be available for selection for both County Championship and the One-Day Cup.
The Pakistan batsman scored over 400 runs in seven county games last season, helping Somerset finish second in Division One earlier this year. His recent retirement from white-ball cricket means that he won’t be playing the World Cup next year and hence will be available for county commitments for most of the summer.
“I very much enjoyed my time with the Club this year and I am really pleased to be going back,” Azhar Ali said. “Somerset is a special club and it was a pleasure to play for them in 2018. There was a really good atmosphere in the dressing room and there are some very good players at the club. The supporters were excellent, and I look forward to seeing everyone again next year.”
Andy Hurry, Somerset Director of Cricket, said, “We are delighted to have secured a player of Azhar’s quality and experience for the duration of the summer and having him available for all our Specsavers County Championship and Royal London One-Day Cup fixtures fits our needs perfectly.
“Azhar fitted in seamlessly during his time with us towards the back end of the 2018 season. Knowing the positive impact that he will have both on and off the field, alongside his availability all summer were key factors in wanting to secure him.
“Whilst he was here, he spent a lot of time working alongside the Second XI players and giving them the benefit of his experience. That is exactly the sort of support you want from your overseas signing and I can’t speak highly enough of him as a person.”
Source : Cricbuzz
