SOMERSET have wasted no time strengthening their NatWest T20 Blast squad this summer by signing Pakistani left arm bowler Sohail Tanvir.
The 30-year-old medium-fast bowler is known for his unique action and has represented Pakistan in all formats of the game.
In 2008 he claimed 6-14 in an IPL match for the Rajasthan Royals against the Chennai Superkings, which stood as a world record until 2011 when it was broken by Somerset’s Arul Suppiah.
Tanvir is also capable of bowling occasional left-arm orthodox spin.
He attracted the eye of the international selectors in 2007 in an ODI series against Australia ‘A’ and was called into the Pakistan squad as Shoaib Akhtar’s replacement for the inaugural ICC World Twenty20.
During that tournament he played a major part in Pakistan reaching the final with the highlight being his 3-31 for 31 in a six-wicket victory over Australia.
Somerset director of cricket Matt Maynard is pleased to capture a player of Tanvir’s pedigree.
He said: “Sohail Tanvir is a quality top order bowler and dangerous lower order batsman.
“There’s no doubt he will be an extremely useful addition to the squad for the NatWest T20 Blast this year.
“He’s an experienced international cricketer who will provide us with something a little different.
“I worked with him at St Lucia Zouks and he was our star performer, so I’m looking forward to teaming up with him again.”
In 42 T20 internationals Tanvir has taken 36 wickets at an average of 28.52 with a best of 3-12, and has taken 71 wickets in his 62 ODI’ at an average of 36.14 with a best of 5-48.
He has also taken five wickets in his two Test matches
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