Pakistan batsman Azhar Ali is all set to play county cricket as an overseas player in the 2019 season, confirmed by Somerset County Cricket Club on Monday (November 26).

The right-hander is currently involved in the three-match Test series against New Zealand in the UAE, playing in the ongoing second Test at the Dubai International Stadium.

The club further went on to confirm that the 33-year-old will be available for the entire County Championship and Royal London One-Day Cup campaigns for Somerset, as he will not play for Pakistan in the World Cup, having retired from the white-ball game, making him available for the whole summer.

On his latest association with Somerset, Azhar said, “I very much enjoyed my time with the club this year and I am really pleased to be going back. 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.”

While, Director of Somerset Cricket, Andy Hurry said, “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.”

It will be his second association with the Club, having played with the Division One side last season, scoring over 400 runs in seven County Championship games.

(With AFP Inputs)