Star Pakistan batsman Babar Azam has rejoined Somerset this summer for a spell in the T20 Blast and County Championship. Babar, touted as the future of the country”s cricket, will be available for five weeks between 28 May and 3 July. However, his participation depends on obtaining the relevant visa and a No Objection Certificate from Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
The 25-year-old finished as the highest run-scorer in the last edition of the Vitality T20 Blast with Somerset. He amassed 578 runs at a stunning average of 52.54 at a healthy strike-rate of 149.35 in the tournament. Babar Azam will be available for Somerset”s first T20 game at home to rivals Gloucestershire on Friday, 29 May, as well as County Championship, matches against Gloucestershire and Kent in June. In total, he will play 12 T20 Blast matches and two four-day fixtures.
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Speaking about the recent development, Babar said he is extremely happy and is looking forward to representing Somerset once again. He is hopeful to contribute to the team”s success in the T20s as well as in the County Championship.
“I really enjoyed my time at Somerset, and I look forward to coming back next year,” Babar said. “Somerset has a very good squad, and the supporters made me feel very welcome. Hopefully, I can help the Club reach the knock-out stages of the Vitality Blast and contribute to winning matches in the County Championship, he added.
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Somerset Director of Cricket, Andy Hurry stated that Babar Azam”s presence will boost their side. The current No. 1 T20I batsman had a terrific outing in 2019 and will hope to carry his swashbuckling form in the new year.
“Babar Azam is the best T20I batsman in the world, and his return will be a major boost for us,” Somerset Director of Cricket, Andy Hurry said. “He played a significant role for us in the Vitality Blast last year, and his stats speak for themselves. He made a number of match-winning contributions, and he fitted seamlessly into the dressing room. You can”t ask more from your overseas players than that,” he concluded.