Pakistan paceman Mohammad Amir will return to Essex this year for part of their Vitality Blast campaign.

The left-armer had a stint with the club in 2017, helping them on their way to County Championship glory as he took career-best match figures of 10 for 72 in a win over Yorkshire at Scarborough.

Amir, whose international career has comprised of 36 Tests, 49 one-day internationals and 42 Twenty20s, will be available for eight games in this year’s Blast, including Essex’s opener against Middlesex at Lord’s on July 18.

“I’m very excited to return to Chelmsford and re-join my Essex team-mates,” the 26-year-old said. “I thoroughly enjoyed my time here in 2017 and I’m looking forward to playing my role in the club’s success this season.”

Due to family commitments, the 26-year-old will miss the games against against Surrey and Kent while his final match for Essex is set to be against Glamorgan on August 16.

Head coach Anthony McGrath said: “Mo is one of the most exciting bowling talents in the world and I’m ecstatic he’s going to be back with us.”