Mohammad Amir to make first red-ball appearance since 2019 after joining Gloucestershire

The Pakistani quick, who played 36 Tests for his country, has plenty of experience in English conditions at both domestic and international level, but he has not played a first-class fixture for nearly three years

Gloucestershire have moved quickly to replace the injured Naseem Shah by signing the seamer's compatriot Mohammad Amir on a short-term contract.

Amir will join the county for three LV= Insurance County Championship matches, starting with the visit of Surrey to Bristol from April 28.

The Pakistani quick, who played 36 Tests for his country, has plenty of experience in English conditions at both domestic and international level, but he has not played a first-class fixture for nearly three years.

^{Mohammad Amir has played for Essex in the County Championship [Getty Images]}

He provides terrific cover for Naseem, who has been ruled out until the Vitality Blast campaign by a shoulder injury.

Amir will also be available for games against Hampshire and Somerset.

Performance director Steve Snell said: "We will sadly be without Naseem for a few weeks due to injury and while we help him get back to full fitness, Amir will provide us with quality and international experience in our seam attack for what is a strong first division competition.

MOHAMMAD AMIR: FIRST-CLASS CAREER

Matches: 67

Wickets: 260

Average: 22.5

Economy: 2.83

5wi: 13

10wm: 2

"Amir fits the bill perfectly for what we need and we're confident he will be a great addition to the squad for those three matches.

"He has indicated his hunger and desire to make pivotal contributions during his time with us and we look forward to making him feel welcome in Bristol with Gloucestershire."

Amir's last recorded red-ball appearance came for Essex in the backend of the 2019 County Championship campaign. He averages a miserly 22.5 in first-class cricket across his career

^{Amir joins Gloucestershire for three County Championship games [Getty Images]}

"The County Championship is an amazing competition and I can't wait to get going with Gloucestershire," Amir said.

"I love playing in English conditions and I’m feeling really good, so I hope I can perform well for the team.

"I'm excited for the challenge and will try my best to help Gloucestershire win some matches."

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