County club secures Shah's services

The world’s best Test leg-spinner Yasir Shah has signed a four-match deal with English county club Kent.

Shah was not included in Pakistan’s 15-man ICC Champions Trophy squad and will instead take the opportunity to make his English county debut.

The 31-year-old looks set to play his first game on Thursday in Kent against Durham, the day after Pakistan take on South Africa in Birmingham.

"I’m very happy to return to England and play county cricket for the first time," Shah told Kent’s website.

"I’ve heard positive things about the county and hope to contribute to the team.

"I’ve enjoyed my previous visits to England and look forward to playing in front of the Kent supporters at Canterbury and Beckenham."

Shah has played four Tests in England – all last year in the 2-all drawn series – with a best return of 10-141 at Lords.

The leggie is the second fastest bowler of all-time to reach 100 Test wickets and adds a significant boost to Division Two outfit Kent, who are fighting for promotion.

After five matches, Kent sit in second place in Division Two behind Nottinghamshire and five points ahead of Worcestershire.

Only one team will be promoted into the eight-team Division One at season’s end.

Kent head coach Matt Walker is excited to welcome the ace spinner to The Spitfire Ground.

"Yasir is one of the finest spinners in the world and will add something different to our attack," Walker said.

"Taking 20 wickets consistently in red-ball cricket will be key to our promotion chances and a bowler of Yasir’s calibre will help to us achieve that and rotate our attack at a key period in the season."