Somerset County Cricket Club have confirmed that Pakistan batsman Azhar Ali will be returning for the 2019 season, through a press release.

The former Pakistan Captain will be available for selection for the duration of, both, the County Championship and the One-Day Cup.

The 33-year-old — who recently announced his retirement from international white ball cricket — made a big impression both on and off the field for Somerset in 2018 and scored over 400 runs in seven County Championship matches with a best of 125.

After agreeing to return to Somerset, Azhar Ali 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.”

Speaking on this occasion — Somerset Director of Cricket — Andy Hurry 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 County Championship and One-Day Cup fixtures fits our needs perfectly.”