NEIL Wagner will return to Essex for the culmination of the 2017 season.

The New Zealand international will be available for the last three County Championship matches during September, after impressing during the first half of the season.

Looking to help take Chris Silverwood's team to the Division One title, Wagner will replace Mohammad Amir when he returns to Pakistan for international duty or following the expected arrival of his first child.

And Head Coach Silverwood, is pleased to bring in a familiar face and to have another top-quality bowler at his disposal for the season run-in.

Silverwood said: "Mohammad has made a real impact across all forms of the game since arriving at the Club and has shown his world-class ability to all Essex fans.

“Following the well documented guidance from the PCB on Mohammad’s availability and the expected arrival of his first child, we have decided to re-sign Neil.

“He will come straight back into the team and make an equally positive impact to the side after his successful spell with us earlier on in the season.

"He was keen to return and it is a no-brainer to get another international quality bowler into the squad for the climax of the Division One season."

Wagner is equally as excited to rejoin the club.

"I loved every minute of my spell with Essex earlier on in the season," he said.

"Everyone at the club made me feel welcome and we had some very good results as a side.

"I am now looking forward to linking back up with the squad and seeing what we can all achieve together during the conclusion of the season."