By Rob Barnett
Pakistan left-arm spinner Abdur Rehman is to represent Somerset as an overseas player for the whole of next season, making him new director of cricket Matthew Maynard’s first signing.
Rehman had a successful spell with Somerset at the end of the 2012 campaign and was in line to return for a late-season stint in 2013 only for international duty to scupper that.
The 34-year-old has played regularly for his country since but was overlooked for the recent series win over Australia and the upcoming one versus New Zealand, both in the United Arab Emirates.
Somerset have therefore put their faith in him being available throughout the next campaign, which will be Maynard’s first in charge after succeeding Dave Nosworthy.
Rehman took 27 wickets at an average of 14.19, including a best of 9-65, in four 2012 LV= County Championship games. He also claimed nine scalps at an average of 8.11 in the three List A matches he played for Somerset.
Rehman, who has snared 99 scalps in his 22 Tests, said: “I am very happy to be going back to play for Somerset.
“I hugely enjoyed my time at the County Ground two years ago and I look forward to playing for the county again for the whole of this coming season.”
Maynard, who inherits a side that drew 10 of their 16 championship fixtures this year, said: “Abdur Rehman is a really good signing for us. He is a quality spin bowler and will hopefully help us to turn some of those draws into victories.
“Abdur will be coming back into an environment he is familiar with and playing alongside team-mates who he knows from the time he spent here a few years ago.
“He is also a more than useful lower-order batsman, a terrier in the field and is available in all three formats all season. He’s a quality all-round cricketer for us to sign.”