Somerset sign Pakistani star opener

Somerset County Cricket Club has announced the signing of Pakistani opener Imam-ul-Haq on July 4 for the final four County Championship matches of the season as a replacement for Matt Renshaw. He will return to Australia at the end of August to commence his domestic pre-season training with his domestic side Queensland. 

Matt Renshaw, the Queenslander is the only Somerset player to score a red ball century this summer but he hasn't appeared for the club since May after getting selected for the Australia A tour of Sri Lanka. 

Subject to obtaining the necessary NOC and visa, Imam will join the club in September as an overseas player for the final four County Championship matches. 

The 26-year-old has represented Pakistan in 14 Tests, 52 ODIs and two T20Is. He has been in fine form, scoring five 50s and four 100s for Pakistan this year across formats. His best Test score of 157 also came recently against Australia earlier this year. He has an average of 41.69 in first-class cricket with nine centuries and over 3500 runs (3502). 

Speaking on the signing of Imam-ul-Haq, Somerset director of cricket Andy Hurry said: 

"Imam-ul-Haq is an outstanding batter who will bring quality and a wealth of experience to our environment."

"To be able to bring in an established Test match player for the final County Championship matches of the season is a coup for us with so much international cricket being played during this important period."

"We have a long-standing working relationship with the PCB and we are grateful to them for their assistance in helping us to sign a player of this caliber. We are genuinely excited about what he will add to the Club both on and off the field."

Imam also reflected on his views on taking on the new challenge of playing in England. 

"English County Cricket will be a new challenge for me, but it is a challenge that I am relishing."

"I have heard a lot about the quality of Somerset from Babar Azam and Azhar Ali. It is a club with a good reputation and great support. I look forward to representing the county and contributing to some good wins in the County Championship," he added.

Somerset has won just two out of the seven County Championship games so far. As a result, they are placed ninth in the Division One points table, fighting against relegation to Division Two, with seven matches to go.