Kent have announced the signing of Pakistan ace bowler Yasir Shah, who is regarded as one of the world’s top-ranked Test leg-spinner.

The 31-year-old, who claimed 149 wickets at an average of 29.91 in 26 Tests, will be available for four Specsavers County Championship matches in an attempt to boost Kent’s promotion challenge.

Leg-spinner Yasir Shah signs for Championship spell & could make debut on Thursday v Durham at Spitfire Ground: https://t.co/FY0gJelZpT pic.twitter.com/1DrEUtJ9Uw

— Kent Cricket (@KentCricket) June 5, 2017

He is now the second overseas player at St Lawrence Ground after the arrival of New Zealand paceman Adam Milne, who is currently away for Champions Trophy.

Kent head coach Matt Walker said: “Yasir is one of the finest spinners in the world and will add something different to our attack.

“Taking 20 wickets consistently in red-ball cricket will be key to our promotion chances and a bowler of Yasir’s calibre will help to us achieve that and rotate our attack at a key period in the season.”

Yasir could make his debut at The Spitfire Ground on Thursday when Kent will face Durham.