COUNTY STINT FOR AARON

Varun Aaron joins Leicestershire for early part of 2018

by Cricbuzz Staff • Last updated on

Varun Aaron is expected to play a crucial role in both the County Championship and Royal London One-Day Cup matches. © Getty

Leicestershire County Cricket Club, on Monday (March 26), announced the signing of India fast bowler Varun Aaron, who will be available for the club for the early part of the 2018 season, during which he is expected to play across both first-class and List A formats. The 28-year-old fast bowler has been called up as cover for Pakistan pacer Muhammad Abbas, who is expected to be away on international duties. The other foreign recruit Sohail Khan is unavailable too, having recently picked up an injury.

The India fast bowler, who made his international debut against England in an ODI in 2011, has 11 wickets from nine ODIs and 18 scalps in nine Tests. However, he has not played for India since last appearing in the second Test against South Africa in Bengaluru in 2015. Aaron is no stranger to County cricket, having played for Durham in 2014. On the new signing, the Leicestershire Head Coach Paul Nixon, said, "Varun is a high-quality performer and his skills will be ideally suited to early season conditions in England. We are delighted to secure his signature for both Specsavers County Championship games and fixtures in the Royal London One-Day Cup.

"We are getting a genuinely quick bowler in Varun, who has played a number of games for India and also enjoyed a fine domestic career. Varun is very keen to do well for us and get back in the India team again and we're really looking forward to him linking up with us."

The right-armer, who has 126 first-class wickets and 66 List A wickets, is expected to take over from Abbas after the opening Championship game and is available for the club's List A fixtures too, until the Pakistan paceman returns for their Championship game against Middlesex, starting June 20. During this period, the club will play four Championship games and eight group stage games in the country's domestic List A tournament. "I am relishing the opportunity to join the Foxes for the first part of the season. Playing county cricket presents me with a great opportunity to showcase my skills. I'm looking forward to taking wickets and contributing to the success of the team," Aaron said.

Aaron's entry adds up to an already illustrious list of Indian cricketers who will be seen playing County cricket this year. While it is being widely reported that Virat Kohli will play for Surrey in his bid to prepare for the five-match Test series in England, Cheteshwar Pujara and Ishant Sharma will lend their services to Yorkshire and Sussex.

© Cricbuzz

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