Habib returns to Leicestershire

Aftab Habib, who represented England in two Tests in 1999, has been offered a contract by Leicestershire, whom he played for the last time they won the County Championship in 1998. Last month, Habib expressed his disappointment at not being fixed up with another county after his release by Essex at the end of last season.

Habib, 32, had joined Essex in 2002 to re-establish his England career, but this never came about, as he averaged a lukewarm 38 in three summers at Chelmsford.

Habib re-joins Leicestershire as they look to strengthen their middle order, after Darren Stevens left for Kent and the overseas player, Brad Hodge, announced he wasn't returning in 2005.