Yasir Arafat joins Surrey as bowling coach for Royal London Cup

He replaces Azhar Mahmood on a temporary basis, while he works for Oval Invincibles

Former Pakistan seamer Yasir Arafat has re-joined Surrey as a bowling consultant for the Royal London Cup.

The 40-year-old, who spent a season with the county in 2011, replaces compatriot Azhar Mahmood, who is Surrey's bowling coach but has been seconded to work with Oval Invincibles.

"I'm looking forward to being part of one of the very best counties in England," said Arafat.

"Surrey and the Royal London 50-over competition has always been very close to my heart. I hope to be a positive influence within the group."

^{Arafat spent a season with Surrey a decade ago (Harry Engels/Getty Images)}

"With Azhar Mahmood coaching at the Oval Invincibles in the Hundred it was important to bring someone in during our Royal London One-Day Cup campaign who has very good white ball experience and knowledge to assist our squad and especially the bowlers," added Alec Stewart, Surrey's director of cricket.

They will be led by Gareth Batty, the county's interim head coach.

Gus Atkinson, the young seamer, has been ruled out of The Hundred, where he was due to represent Oval Invincibles, after breaking his hand during the T20 Blast group match against Somerset.

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