Habib seals Leicestershire return

Habib enjoyed limited success in his three seasons at Essex

Former England batsman Aftab Habib has agreed a two-year deal to rejoin Leicestershire, weeks after fearing his career may have been at an end.

The 32-year-old, who won two England caps in 1999, scored a century in the final match of the 1998 Championship to help the Foxes to the title.

He then spent three years with Essex before being released in September.

"We're delighted to welcome him back," said Foxes director of cricket James Whitaker. "He's a high-quality player."

Whitaker added that the club hoped Habib would inspire them to promotion back into the top flight.

It just feels good to be returning - I feel like I am back home Aftab Habib

"I am confident he will make a big contribution to the side next season," he said.

"He made a big impact in his previous spell with us and I believe he can help us achieve our aspirations."

Habib initially moved to Chelmsford in a bid to re-ignite his Test ambitions.

But he struggled for consistency at Essex, averaging less than 40 in the County Championship, and rarely making the one-day team.

In seven previous seasons with the Foxes, the runs had flowed much more easily.

Archive interview: Habib on signing for Essex

Habib contacted several counties at the end of the 2004 summer to tout his services.

When a proposed move to his other former club Middlesex fell through, however, he thought his days as a professional cricketer were numbered and considered a change of career.

But Leicestershire, in Division Two of both the Championship and the National League, were keen to strengthen their middle order after losing Australian Brad Hodge and releasing Darren Stevens, who has since joined Kent.

Habib will now feature in a new-look batting line-up at Grace Road that includes India's Dinesh Mongia.