LONDON – Pakistan batsman Azhar Ali has joined Somerset for the remainderof their first-class English County Championship fixtures this season, thesouthwest club said Monday.
The 33-year-old replaces Australia opener Matt Renshaw, who made threehundreds at 51.30 in the opening rounds of the Championship before breakinga finger against Surrey at Guildford last month.
Azhar is set to make his Somerset debut against Worcestershire later thismonth.
“The standard of first-class cricket in England is very high and I hopethat I can make a contribution to Somerset winning matches,” Azhar told hisnew county s website.
“I have heard good things about Somerset and I was impressed by what I sawat Taunton in 2016 (when Pakistan opened their tour of England that yearagainst the county).
“I am looking forward to joining my new team mates and meeting the Somersetsupporters soon.”
Azhar struggled during Pakistan s three Tests against Ireland and Englandearlier this season, making 73 runs in six innings although his lone fiftydid come during Pakistan s impressive victory over England at Lord s.
“Finding the right fit at short notice can be challenging, however we aredelighted to have secured a player of Azhar Ali s character, pedigree andclass for the remaining seven Specsavers County Championship matches,” saidSomerset s director of cricket, Andy Hurry.
“His experience at the top of the order will prove to be hugely valuable atthe business end of the season.
“I have spoken to him several times over the last few weeks and he is verykeen to share his knowledge of the game with our aspirational players, sothe influence he can have within the changing room will also be vital forus as a club.” – APP/AFP