Mohammad Amir returns to Essex for stint during 2019 Vitality Blast

The 26-year-old was part of the Essex side which won the 2017 County Championship, taking 14 wickets in three matches at an eye-watering average of 13.50 and will be available for eight matches...

Essex have announced that Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Amir will return to the club as part of the squad for the 2019 Vitality Blast tournament.

The 26-year-old was part of the Essex side which won the 2017 County Championship, taking 14 wickets in three matches at an eye-watering average of 13.50.

He will be available for eight of Essex's matches, with his first game set to be against Middlesex at Lord’s on July 18.

Due to family commitments, he will not be available for their next two games against Surrey and Kent, and his stint will finish when Essex play Glamorgan at Chelmsford on August 16.

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Head coach Anthony McGrath said: "Mo is one of the most exciting bowling talents in the world and I’m ecstatic he’s going to be back with us.

"He has the ability to bowl at a fast pace whilst swinging the ball both ways and showed a real desire to come back to Chelmsford and be an Eagle again.

"Everyone has seen how devastating he can be with the ball and the talent he has, so I think alongside our other overseas player, Adam Zampa, we're going to have one of the most dangerous bowling attacks in the Vitality Blast this year."

Amir added: "I'm very excited to return to Chelmsford and re-join my Essex teammates. I thoroughly enjoyed my time here in 2017 and I’m looking forward to playing my role in the club’s success this season."