Surrey Cricket Club has secured the services of world-renowned all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan for a crucial County Championship match against Somerset. The move comes as Surrey faces a shortage of players due to England duty commitments.
Shakib, a veteran of international cricket, brings a wealth of experience and exceptional skills to the Surrey squad. His arrival is expected to bolster the team’s batting and bowling capabilities. Surrey’s director of cricket, Alec Stewart, expressed his delight at signing Shakib, stating that it was an “easy decision” given the team’s current situation.
Surrey is currently in contention for a third consecutive Championship title, and Shakib’s presence is seen as a significant boost to their chances. The club is missing eight players due to England duty, including spin-bowling all-rounders Will Jacks and Dan Lawrence.
Shakib’s signing effectively replaces Sai Sudharsan, who has returned to India for domestic commitments. For Shakib, the match provides an opportunity to gain competitive experience ahead of Bangladesh’s upcoming Test series in India.
In addition to Shakib, Surrey has also convinced Tom Curran to return to first-class cricket after a two-year absence. Curran had previously announced his retirement from red-ball cricket but has been included in the squad for the Somerset match.
Somerset, Surrey’s opponents, have also made a signing, bringing in New Zealand seamer Brett Randell on a short-term deal. Elsewhere, Lancashire has signed Trinidadian seamer Anderson Phillip for their final three Championship games as they aim to avoid relegation.
