Sussex sign Sami

Mohammad Sami will lend firepower © Getty Images

Sussex have signed Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Sami for the remainder of the season.

Following the injury-enforced retirement of veteran leg-spinner Mushtaq Ahmed, the LV county champions had a vacancy for an overseas player - and Sami fits the bill.

The 27-year-old, who has previously played for Kent, will arrive in time for Sussex’s Division One match against Yorkshire at Scarborough next week.

Sussex’s professional cricket manager Mark Robinson explained that Mushtaq played a central role in securing the services of his compatriot and replacement.

“Mushtaq helped massively with the signing of Mohammad – spending 10 days, almost non-stop, on the phone making sure that everything went smoothly,” said Robinson.

“We had originally hoped that Mohammad would be here in time for last week’s match with Nottinghamshire.

“However, his arrival late last night will give everybody a boost for what is increasingly looking like an extremely important game at Scarborough on Wednesday.”

Sami has played 33 Tests and 83 one-day internationals.

Sussex chief executive Gus Mackay is hoping Sami can help his new employers make a late push for honours in defence of their title, and keep them in contention at the top of NatWest Pro40 Division One.

“Mohammad’s arrival comes just in time for an intense finish to the domestic season,” said Mackay.

“It will be an exciting month and his experience and ability should prove vital in our search for more silverware.”