Corey Anderson back for Somerset in 2018 Blast

Corey Anderson, the New Zealand allrounder, will return to Somerset for this season's Vitality Blast. Anderson has not played since suffering a stress fracture while with Somerset last year but is hoping to return to action during the latter part of the New Zealand domestic season.

Having made 81 off 45 balls on debut for Somerset at The Oval last July, Anderson only managed three more appearances before succumbing to back pain. He underwent surgery in September and has been working on his rehabilitation back at home ahead of an anticipated comeback for Northern Districts.

Anderson, 27, is expected to be available for the entirety of the Blast. Somerset begin their campaign with the west country derby against Gloucestershire on July 6.

"I'm really excited to be returning to Somerset for this year's Vitality Blast," Anderson said. "Having had my time at Taunton cut short with injury last season, I feel I have unfinished business and I hope I can help Somerset go all the way in 2018."

Although Anderson was overlooked at the IPL auction earlier this month, he has pedigree as one of the most powerful hitters in the game. He briefly held the record for the fastest ODI hundred, off 36 balls, and has scored 1768 runs at a strike rate of 138.23 in his T20 career. He also offers a handy left-arm bowling option.

Somerset's, director of cricket, Andy Hurry, said: "We are delighted to have secured Corey for the entire Vitality Blast campaign. I believe that continuity throughout this competition is going to be key in achieving success and therefore it was crucial for us to be able to bring in a high-quality player who would be available for the duration of the tournament.

"Corey has a vast amount of experience and is very well known here at Somerset. His all-round ability will have a huge impact on our performances."