SOMERSET County Cricket Club have announced that Surrey off-spinner Amar Virdi has joined the Club on a short-term loan deal.

The 23-year-old will join Somerset in time for the LV= Insurance County Championship match against Lancashire at Southport.

Amar made his County Championship debut against Essex in 2017 and has gone on to feature in 40 First Class matches, claiming over 120 wickets at an average of 29.73.

Speaking about the loan agreement, Somerset director of cricket, Andy Hurry said: “Jack Leach is unavailable for the match against Lancashire, and with Amar currently not playing First XI cricket, we felt he could add real balance to our team at Southport.

“Having previously worked with him within the England U19 programme, and with Jason having worked with him with England Lions, we have a strong awareness of his ability with the ball and his character.

"He is a quality spinner with genuine international aspirations, and we are delighted to be able to welcome him into our environment.”

Somerset's squad will be weakened going into the County Championship match against Lancashire this week.

Tom Abell, Tom Banton and Will Smeed are representing England Lions during the week, meanwhile Josh Davey may be missing through injury. He is awaiting results on a scan after a hamstring strain in the Vitality Blast quarter-final.