KEEPING THE STAR

Essex secure Mohammad Amir for Somerset clash

by Rob Johnston • Last updated on

Mohammad Amir took ten wickets in the clash against Yorkshire. © Getty

Essex have confirmed that fast bowler Mohammad Amir will return home to undergo fitness and medical tests at the request of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) but will be available for their next Championship match against Somerset beginning on August 26.

Essex had feared that Amir would be unavailable for the rest of the season following PCB's request that all national players return to Pakistan by August 22 for a training camp to prepare for their upcoming series against an ICC World XI and Sri Lanka in September.

As reported earlier this week, the county made representations to the PCB to request special dispensation for Amir to remain with the county. It is understood those were successful, which has secured his availability for the Somerset match although Cricbuzz understands Essex do not yet know when Amir will have to return to Pakistan.

The three match T20 series against the World XI is set to be played before September 17 to avoid a clash with local elections so, depending on the timing of those matches, Amir could also be involved in Essex's game against Lancashire beginning on September 5.

It is a major bonus for the Championship leaders to have Amir, who took ten wickets against Yorkshire in his last Championship match, available, even if it is just for one more match. Essex are looking to win their first title since 1992 and currently sit 41 points clear at the top of the table with just five matches to go.

© Cricbuzz

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