Somerset get Tanvir in for T20

Somerset have signed Sohail Tanvir, the Pakistani left-arm seamer, for this seasons NatWest T20 Blast. He helped Hampshire to Finals Day in 2013.

Tanvir, 30, held the world record for the best figures in a T20 with 6 for 14 in the IPL until Arul Suppiah bettered him in 2011. He has represented Pakistan in all formats, with 36 wickets at 28.52 in 42 T20s, including appearances at every edition of the World T20.

"Sohail is a quality top order bowler and a dangerous lower order batsman," Somerset director of cricket Matt Maynard said. "There is no doubt that he will be an extremely useful addition to the squad for the NatWest T20 Blast this year.

Maynard's choice of Tanvir was influenced by a caching stint in the Caribbean Pemier League: "He is an experienced international cricketer who will provide us with something a little bit different. I worked with him at St Lucia Zouks and he was our star performer so I am looking forward to teaming up with him again."

After several strong years in the shortest format Somerset disappointed in 2014, failing to qualify for the knockout stage for the first time since 2008.