Tahir parachuted in for Hants push

Imran Tahir, the Pakistan-born South Africa legspinner, has rejoined Hampshire for the final two weeks of the season as the club look to close out promotion back to Divison One of the County Championship.

Tahir, 35, last played for Hampshire in 2011 and was part of the side that won the county's first T20 title in 2010; he also helped them to Finals Day a year later.

In 2009 he was Hampshire's leading Championship wicket-taker with 52 scalps at 32.90 and two years later took 28 first-class wickets at 24.46 in eight Championship matches - but that season saw Hampshire relegated and now Tahir hopes to put that right.

Hampshire need 27 points in two matches to make certain their promotion and have matches at home to Kent and away to Glamorgan remaining.

"It was definitely in my mind when I agreed to come here and I'm looking forward to the challenge," Tahir said. "I'm only here for the last two matches but If I can contribute to Hampshire getting promoted then I will be very satisfied.

"It's always nice to be in England - I love it here. Hampshire were the club who gave me my first chance so I owe them a lot. I've played for a few sides in England but I do really enjoying playing my cricket here and I have a lot of respect for Hampshire and the people.

"Hampshire have played really good cricket all season and I'm just here to give all I've got for the next two games. I really enjoy playing my cricket at Hampshire and hopefully we'll do well and get over the line."

Tahir has previously been parachuted in at the end of the season. In 2008, he appeared for Hampshire's final game of the year despite having been called back by his South African club Titans two weeks previously. He took eight wickets in the match but it wasn't enough to lift Hampshire over eventual champions Durham.