Somerset have confirmed that Pakistan batsman Azhar Ali will return to the club as an overseas player for the 2019 season.

The Pakistan batsman, 33, will be available for the entire County Championship and One-Day Cup campaigns in his second spell at Taunton.

Azhar will not play for Pakistan at the World Cup having retired from one-day internationals, making him available for the whole summer after making a positive impression during a spell at Somerset last season.

The 33-year-old had a brief spell with the Division One side last season, scoring more than 400 runs in seven county matches.

Director of cricket Andy Hurry said: “Azhar fitted in seamlessly during his time with us towards the back end of the 2018 season. Knowing the positive impact that he will have both on and off the field, alongside his availability all summer were key factors in wanting to secure him.

“Whilst he was here, he spent a lot of time working alongside the second XI players and giving them the benefit of his experience. That is exactly the sort of support you want from your overseas signing and I can’t speak highly enough of him as a person.”