WORCESTERSHIRE have revealed the return of Pakistan leg-spinner Usama Mir for the 2024 Vitality Blast.
Mir, who made a significant impact during his stint with the Rapids last summer, will once again add his spin expertise to the team’s bowling attack.
Usama topped the bowling and batting averages for the Rapids this summer and played a major role in them qualifying for the quarter-finals from the North Group.
The 27-year-old is excited about the chance to return to New Road for another spell.
Usama caused many problems for batters with his leg spin and ended as the Rapids second highest wicket-taker with 19 at an average of 16.89, including a competition best of 4-22 against Leicestershire Foxes at the Uptonsteel County Ground.
He also had the second best economy rate for the Rapids, conceding only 7.29 runs per over.
With the bat, Usama made big-hitting late order contributions and scored 132 runs at an average of 44.00 and the Rapids highest strike rate of 162.96.
He initially joined Worcestershire for the opening three group matches because of Mitchell Santner’s involvement in the latter stages of the Indian Premier Leagu
But he returned to play the final seven group matches and the quarter-final, as a replacement for the injured Michael Bracewell.
Usama said:
“I’m absolutely delighted to be coming back to Worcestershire for another spell in the Vitality Blast next summer.
“I said when I joined this year that I was living the dream by having a chance to play in county cricket and it lived up to all expectations.
“We played some superb cricket to reach the quarter-finals and I was delighted to be able to play my part.
“It was a big learning curve for me, different conditions to what I’m used to back home, but all the lads made me feel at home from day one.
“There is no reason why we can’t have another successful run next summer.”
Worcestershire head coach Alan Richardson, in announcing the signing, said:
“It’s great to get things tied up this early in terms of one of our overseas signings for 2023.
“Usama showed to everyone just how good a leg spinner he during the Blast last summer and gave us that additional potency in our attack.
“Spin continues to play a major role in this format of the game, and we are delighted to have acquired him again for 2024. He can also hit the ball a long way which is a great weapon to have towards the end of an innings.”
Usama was part of Pakistan’s squad for the recent ICC Men’s World Cup in India.