Surrey ropes in Shakib Al Hasan for County Championship match

Division One leaders Surrey have brought in Bangladesh’s all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan for their crucial County Championship match against Somerset in Taunton.

Alec Stewart, Surrey’s Director of Cricket, called the decision to sign Shakib for this single match “an easy one.” 

With Surrey leading the Championship and aiming for their third consecutive title in Stewart’s final season, Shakib’s addition is seen as a significant boost. Surrey currently holds a 24-point lead over second-placed Somerset, but will be missing eight key players this week due to international commitments.

Among those absent are Will Jacks and Dan Lawrence, both key spin-bowling all-rounders. Stewart explained that with several players away on England duty and missing their spin options, bringing in Shakib was an obvious choice. 

"Shakib brings a wealth of experience and outstanding skill with both bat and ball. We’re excited to see what he can do for Surrey,” Stewart said.

Shakib will be replacing Sai Sudharsan, who has returned to India for the Duleep Trophy. The match also gives Shakib a chance to play competitive cricket before Bangladesh's Test series in India.

Shakib expressed his excitement about joining Surrey. 

"Surrey are one of the most prestigious clubs in the world, and I am pleased to get the chance to represent the club. I’m here to make an impact and help the team achieve their goals for the season,” he said.

In addition to Shakib’s arrival, Surrey has convinced Tom Curran to return to first-class cricket for the first time in two years. Curran had previously stepped away from red-ball cricket for personal reasons but will join the squad for this important fixture.

Surrey's squad for the match includes seven international players, despite missing other key names like Ollie Pope, Gus Atkinson, Jamie Smith, Sam Curran, Reece Topley, and Jamie Overton.

Meanwhile, Lancashire has signed Trinidadian seamer Anderson Phillip for their last three Championship matches as they fight to avoid relegation. Lancashire had also been in talks to sign Pakistani seamer Mohammad Ali, but those plans have fallen through.