Rehman agrees Somerset return

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Somerset have re-signed Pakistan left-arm spinner Abdur Rehman, who will be their overseas player in the latter part of next season.

The 32-year-old, having taken 19 wickets in the 3-0 Test whitewash of England at the start of the year, had a prolific first spell with Somerset during August and September.

Rehman snared 27 scalps in four LV= County Championship games at an average of 14.18 and nine in three Clydesdale Bank 40 matches at 8.11.

Somerset committee chairman Vic Marks said: "We are delighted that we have secured the services of Abdur Rehman for the latter half of the 2013 season.

Abdur Rehman will be aiming for more strong end-of-season form in 2013, having taken 27 wickets in four championship games this year

"At the moment he is contracted to play the final few weeks of the season, which will include five championship games and one-day cricket as well. Subject to his international commitments we will try to extend his contract through into the T20 period to make him available for that as well."

In early October Rehman was banned for 12 weeks, having tested positive for cannabis on his Somerset debut - versus Nottinghamshire in the championship at Taunton.

Regarding this ban, which ends at midnight on Friday, chief executive Guy Lavender said: "The club in no way condones the use of illegal drugs.

“It was heartening to see that he admitted his mistake and has been punished accordingly. It is now time to move on and I am very confident he will do extremely well for us next season."

Rehman said: "I am happy to be coming back to England to play for Somerset CCC. I really enjoyed my time there last year and will look to play with the same intensity and passion.

“I would also like to thank the Somerset management and fans for their support in what has been a difficult period for me."

Somerset have already signed South Africa batsman Alviro Petersen as an overseas player until the beginning of the Friends Life t20.

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