New Zealand fast bowler Neil Wagner has struck a deal with the English County club Essex for the remainder of the matches in the ongoing 2017 County Championship season of the domestic set-up.
Interestingly, the 31-year-old Pretoria-born left-arm bowler has been announced as the replacement of Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Amir, who is bound to fly to Pakistan, in a bid to be the part of three-match Twenty20 series against the world cricket governing body ICC’s World XI.
Pertinently, the overseas replacement Wagner would feature in the final three first-class matches for the Essex in September.
On the other side, Essex is looking forward to bolstering the pace bowling attack which includes right-arm bowler James Porter.
Earlier, the 25-year-old left-arm bowler Amir was asked to return to Pakistan, in a bid to report at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore on August 22, for the fitness Test.
Moreover, in a bid to revive the cricket in Pakistan, ICC has proposed a series which will kick start at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on September 12 (Tuesday).
The second and third T20I will be held at the same stadium on September 13 and 15 respectively.
It’s pertinent to mention, the three different 20-over games will get the International status.
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Before struggling with the hamstring issue, Wagner has been part of the Essex during the ongoing season during the initial fixtures.
The Kiwi-based is expected to be the part of Essex on September 12 against Warwickshire.
Of late, Amir, who has played a significant role for the Essex club with the ball, was signed following Pakistan’s ICC Champions Trophy triumph over arch-rival India on June 18 at the Oval in London.
For the all-important game against arch-rivals Lancashire, Wagner missed the opportunity to be the part of the Playing XI after complaining about the cramp.
Ryan ten Doeschate-led Essex is at the top of the points table and is currently facing Somerset in the northeastern city Chelmsford London.
The long-established club is eyeing to clinch the coveted title after claiming it in 1992.
In 32 Tests for the Black Caps, Wagner has bagged 130 wickets at an average of 28.91 in 61 innings.