Nottinghamshire have signed former Yorkshire bowler Ajmal Shahzad on a three-year contract.

The 27 year old England fast bowler has taken 155 first-class wickets at an average of 34.01.

The Huddersfield-born player joined Lancashire on loan in May and went on to take 42 wickets in all competitions.

“As a seam bowler there is no better ground to play at than Trent Bridge,” said Shahzad.

“Hopefully playing alongside so many England players and performing well for Notts will put me back in the limelight.”

Shahzad has played one Test for England, taking four wickets against Bangladesh in 2010, as well as 11 one-day internationals and three Twenty20 matches.

“I spoke to Ajmal at the back end of the season, he’s been aware of our interest for some time and we see him as a major signing for all forms of the game,” said Nottinghamshire Director of Cricket Mick Newell.

“His white ball record in particular is excellent and will give us some experience to replace Darren Pattinson as well as opening the bowling for us in four day cricket and providing useful runs from the number eight position.

“He’s has had some experience of international cricket and we’d like to see him get back to that level through some impressive performances for Notts.”