SOMERSET have shuffled their pack of overseas players, bringing in Pakistan international opener Fakhar Zaman in place of the injured Corey Anderson, who has flown home, and Dean Elgar, who will be unavailable for the rest of the County Championship season.

Anderson has been suffering from a back injury throughout his spell with Somerset and missed five of the nine T20 Blast matches he was with the club for.

He did provide the Somerset faithful with some memorable moments, however, striking 81 on his debut against Surrey and a 17-ball 41 in yesterday's victory over Sussex.

The loss of Elgar, who is returning for the final three T20 Blast group matches before linking up with a South African training camp, will be more keenly felt.

The opener was one of the few Somerset batsmen to enjoy a profitable start to the season and is comfortably the side's highest four-day run scorer with 517 at an average of 47, including two centuries.

As if to emphasise what Somerset will be missing, Elgar scored 136 for South Africa as they fell to defeat against England in the final day of the third Test match at The Oval earlier today.

Their replacement, Fakhar Zaman, shot to prominence with a sparkling 114 in June's Champions Trophy Final as his Pakistan side overcame bitter rivals India and won the tournament.

A left-handed opening batsman, Zaman has played four one-day internationals and three T20s for his country, while he averages 42 from 35 First Class matches.

The 27-year-old will be available for all formats subject to receiving a work permit.

The departing Anderson said: “I am grateful to Somerset for giving me an opportunity to play cricket in England and only sorry that I have been unable to conclude my stay with them.

"However, I hope that at some point in the future when my back problem has been resolved that I will be able to return." 

Director of cricket Matt Maynard said: “It’s disappointing that Corey has had to return to New Zealand, particularly in light of what he has achieved during his short time with us.

"During his time here Corey has soldiered on bravely and managed his ongoing stress fracture well but now it needs immediate treatment.

“It’s great to have Fakhar joining us and in addition we will have Dean Elgar back for the final three NatWest T20 Blast group stage games.

“However, Dean has to return to South Africa for a camp prior to the South Africa vs Bangladesh series.

"As a result, he will play no further Specsavers County Championship cricket for us - this is why Fakhar will be available for us in both formats until the end of the season.”

The change in overseas players is the latest sign of upheaval at the club, who lost the services of Adam Hose last week and are currently in negotiations with this year's playing staff.