Keshav Maharaj returns for second Yorkshire spell

South Africa spinner Keshav Maharaj will return for Yorkshire's next two Championship matches, as well as a spell in the Vitality Blast, having enjoyed success during his initial three-match spell in July.

Maharaj will be available to play against Nottinghamshire at Scarborough later this month, and for the trip to Taunton beginning on September 10. He is set to make his Blast debut in the Roses match at Old Trafford next Friday, and could feature in seven fixtures; Yorkshire have been without the services of an overseas player since Nicholas Pooran completed a three-game spell last week.

The slow left-armer claimed 20 Championship wickets at 19.95 in his first stint with the club, as well as adding a couple of fifties with the bat. Confirmation of his return comes after Adil Rashid was ruled out for an unknown period by his ongoing shoulder problem.

"When I first arrived, I felt very welcomed by all the club officials and my fellow team-mates," Maharaj said. "I managed to settle in really well on the cricketing front and I'm just glad that the opportunity has been afforded to me to be able to come back for the two four-day games and maybe a few T20s as well.

"I've always wanted to play T20 cricket around the world, as regularly as I can and as often as I can. It's my first T20 gig outside of South Africa so I'm really looking forward to it. Hopefully, I can have an impact and that the team can get through to finals day.

"I would love to make this a regular feature with Yorkshire cricket. Being a pro cricketer, I'd love to ply my trade all over the world. I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Yorkshire so it will be a pleasure to come back as much as possible.

"I was really pleased to be able to contribute in two victories out of three; I would have loved to made it a third. Hopefully over the two remaining fixtures I can get another couple of victories and help put the team in a good position to win the Championship."

The spin-bowling department has been an issue for Yorkshire all season, with Somerset's Dom Bess having been signed on loan spells for both Championship and T20 cricket. Bess, who has played four Blast games, is set to return to Somerset before the next round of the Championhip, while legspinner Josh Poysden was recently ruled out for the rest of the season after suffering a fractured skull in training.

Yorkshire's first-team coach Andrew Gale said of Maharaj: "He made a great impact in the three weeks he was with us. He's a classy spin bowler and he contributed greatly to our wins over Surrey and Somerset.

"He fitted in well with the dressing room and also contributed well with the bat down the order. We look forward to having him back with us next week and we hope he can continue to perform well for us at North Marine Road and Taunton too."