Cricket: Somerset catch Mushtaq
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.MUSHTAQ AHMED, the Pakistan leg-spinner who baffled England's batsmen this summer, has signed a three-year contract with Somerset. The 21-year-old will replace the South African paceman, Richard Snell, who is returning home at the end of the season to continue university studies.
Somerset have been tracking Mushtaq and the chief executive, Peter Anderson, said yesterday: 'I have been aware for some time that Richard was going home, so I asked our cricket manager, Bob Cottam, to draw up a short list. Obviously Mushtaq was high on that list.
'He is a fine acquisition and his leg spin will give us an even better balanced attack. We've seen him perform at the highest level. I've done my homework to land him.'
Mushtaq is the first overseas leg spinner to be taken on by an English county since the 1970s when Somerset had the Australian Kerry O'Keefe and the current Pakistan team manager, Intikhab Alam, was with Surrey.
Yorkshire are coming to the reluctant conclusion that re-signing Sachin Tendulkar as their overseas professional is an unlikely prospect.
Although India's touring dates next summer are still to be confirmed, Yorkshire understand that Tendulkar is likely to be required in July and August. As India are touring England in 1994, Yorkshire would thus see Tendulkar for a little more than two months in the next two years.
Their attention is now likely to turn to the Pakistan fast bowler, Aqib Javed, who spent one season with Hampshire.
Yorkshire are also to support a proposal to be put to the Test and County Cricket Board this week that England play Australia in a three-match floodlit tournament at Don Valley Stadium, Sheffield, next year. Don Robinson, who has promoted two floodlit tournaments in the last two years, invited TCCB officials to this week's matches and says they were impressed with the potential.
Richie Richardson, the West Indies captain, is keen to play county cricket next season. Richardson, currently Blackpool's professional in the Northern League, has been linked with Durham, who need to replace the Australian Test batsman, Dean Jones.
But the 30-year-old right- handed batsman says he has not spoken to the Championship new boys. 'I wish there was somebody who would have a word with me. I have no contract after a heavy winter, and will be free to speak to anybody.'
'It would be nice to get into county cricket because I have not played it before. I want to give it a shot for a few years.'
The Durham chief executive, Mike Gear, was unavailable to confirm whether the county was interested in Richardson.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments