Out of national contention, Indian fast bowler Varun Aaron signs for England county side Leichestershire and is latest among the trend of India players to sign up for an English county side. The 28-year-old has been regularly clocked at a speed of over 140kph and has represented India 18 times, including nine test matches and nine ODIs.
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Aaron burst on to the international scene with a reputation for delivering quick spells and has claimed 126 first-class wickets at 32.80. The pacer from Jharkhand also has a very handy List A record having snared 66 victims at 26.30 apiece. He was a part of the Indian side during the 2014 series in England, but has lost his form and rhythm since then. He has earlier played county cricket for Durham.
Leicestershire head coach Paul Nixon said, “Varun is a high-quality performer and his skills will be ideally suited to early season conditions in England. We are delighted to secure his signature for both Specsavers County Championship games and fixtures in the Royal London One-Day Cup,”.
“We are getting a genuinely quick bowler in Varun, who has played a number of games for India and also enjoyed a fine domestic career. Varun is very keen to do well for us and get back in the India team again and we’re really looking forward to him linking up with us,” he said.
Aaron will provide the Foxes with overseas cover for Pakistan international seamer Muhammad Abbas, as Sohail Khan is unavailable after picking up an injury recently.
Aaron will take over in first-class and List A cricket until Abbas returns for the Specsavers County Championship match against Middlesex on Wednesday, June 20.
“I am relishing the opportunity to join the Foxes for the first part of the season. Playing county cricket presents me with a great opportunity to showcase my skills. I’m looking forward to taking wickets and contributing to the success of the team,” said Aaron.
His return to the Indian team is uncertain but if the pacer manages to impress in county cricket, it may open doors for his selection in the Indian team for England tour, if any frontline bowler gets injured.
