By Andrew Gidley

Kent have confirmed that Azhar Mahmood will be with the county again next season.

The 35-year-old former Pakistan all-rounder (pictured), who played 21 Tests and 143 one-day internationals for his country, is contracted to play one-day cricket for the county and on a 'pay as you play' basis in the Championship.

A small staff and a long injury list among the bowlers has increased Azhar’s involvement in four-day cricket this summer and he proved Kent’s match-winner against Essex on Sunday with a season’s best 5-62, following useful contributions with the bat in both innings.

Chief executive Jamie Clifford said: "Azhar will be back in 2011. He desperately wants to play for Kent and win matches.

"He gives everything when he goes on the field, and bowled beautifully against Essex."

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