Habib Returns To Grace Road

Former England batsman Aftab Habib has rejoined his former county Leicestershire on a two-year contract.

Habib left Leicestershire for Essex in an attempt to re-establish himself in the international selectors thoughts but Essex decided that his services were no longer required after three years on the staff.

Habib averaged 38 in the County Championship during the three seasons with Essex, a considerably lesser return than he managed in seven previous seasons with Leicestershire, and rarely made an apperance in the one-day outfit at Chelmsford.

Habib contacted several counties at the end of the 2004 summer to tout his services, a deal with Middlesex fell through and that's when Lecistershire come in for him.

Leicestershire, in Division Two of both the Frizzell County Championship and totesport League, were keen to strengthen their middle order after losing Australian Brad Hodge to Lancashire and releasing Darren Stevens who has since joined Kent.

Leicestershire's director of cricket James Whitaker said: "We are delighted to welcome Aftab back to the club.

"He is a high quality player who made a big impact in his previous spell with us and I believe he can help us achieve our aspirations of returning to the First Division.

"Aftab has accepted a two-year contract and I am confident he will make a big contribution to the side next season."

Posted by Richard