SOMERSET secured an overseas signing of undoubted international pedigree this week, with Pakistan opener Azhar Ali coming in as replacement for the injured Matt Renshaw.

The 33-year-old is available for all of Somerset’s remaining County Championship games, starting with tomorrow’s match away to Worcestershire.

The right-hander has played in 65 Tests for Pakistan, notching more than 5,200 runs with a very decent average of 44.84.

Somerset director of cricket Andy Hurry told the County Gazette: “First and foremost it was imperative to have continuity, which is what we had in Matt Renshaw.

“So we looked at the international calendar to eliminate countries [who have fixtures remaining this summer].

“It became very obvious from talking to Azhar Ali that he has the character and qualities to make him a great fit for us.

“He has that hunger and desire to learn, and to help develop our aspirational players.

“He has a wealth of international experience, he’s batted around the world in different conditions and he knows the demands of international cricket.

“Those are experiences he can share with our players who are starting out on an international career.

“I’m sure he will contribute hugely off the field as well as on it.”

Ali has never played County Championship cricket, but Hurry believes he will be well suited to its demands.

“He has a very solid technique, and although he has limited experience in this country, he’s excited to learn – as was the case with Matt Renshaw.

“His method can only enhance our talented batting group.”

Replacing Renshaw (513 runs at an average of 51.30) will be a tough ask, but Ali could well be joined at the top of the order by Marcus Trescothick on Sunday.

Trescothick, 42, has returned from his foot injury to play for the Somerset 2nd XI, hitting a century against Sussex 2nds.

Hurry added: “[Trescothick] has made great progress, and had a lot of time out in the middle which will give him a lot of confidence.

“He has another opportunity this week [against Hampshire 2nds], and we will make a final decision.

“It’s impressive how diligent he has been in his rehabilitation; he’s a great model for younger players with injuries.”

Somerset go into the match third in the County Championship (Division 1) table, with Worcestershire eighth (bottom).