Vijay will be available for three games for Somerset © Getty

Murali Vijay, India batsman, has signed up with Somerset County Cricket Club as an overseas player for 3 County Championship matches in the ongoing season, it was announced on Sunday. He replaces Pakistan's Azhar Ali, who was recalled for national duties, earlier this month.

"I am excited about the challenge of trying to help Somerset push for the County Championship," Vijay said about the signing. "Somerset have an excellent reputation and I am looking forward to being a part of what they are trying to achieve."

The 35-year old batsman has played 61 Tests for India (apart from 17 ODIs and 9 T20Is), and scored 3982 runs at an average of 38.28 and been in the national setup for a decade from 2008 to 2018. However, he has been out of favour with the Indian selectors since the England tour last summer. He has also represented Essex in last year's County Championship, scoring over 320 runs at an average of 64.60.

Speaking about the signing, Andy Hurry, Somerset CCC Director of Cricket, said: "We are delighted to have been able to secure the services of such a high-quality player for the remainder of the County Championship. To have signed a player of his class and ability at this stage of the season is a real coup.

"He has experience of English conditions, having played in the Championship for Essex last year, and that was extremely important to us when it came to selecting a replacement for Azhar."