AZEEM RAFIQ has completed a remarkable return to Yorkshire by signing a deal for the rest of the season, while seamer Josh Shaw has been recalled from his loan at Gloucestershire.

Off-spinner Rafiq, a former county captain in limited overs cricket, could even make his second debut tonight having been named in the squad for the NatWest T20 Blast clash with Nottinghamshire at Headingley.

Rafiq, 25, was released by Yorkshire towards the end of the 2014 season after coming through their Academy set-up.

Having lost his way, he has since failed to get back into the county game, despite particularly strong interest from Derbyshire.

Rafiq’s action has caused him issues, but he has impressed during the last fortnight in Yorkshire’s second XI.

Shaw, meanwhile, has returned to Headingley as a result of the club’s impending unavailability crisis, and he is set to play in Monday’s County Championship match against Durham at Emirates Riverside.

Due to injury or England calls, Yorkshire will be without Ryan Sidebottom, Jack Brooks, Matthew Fisher, Liam Plunkett, David Willey, Adil Rashid, Jonny Bairstow and Joe Root.

Rafiq played 22 first-class matches for Yorkshire between 2009 and 2014, taking 47 wickets and scoring a century. He took 17 wickets in 15 List A matches and 62 in 60 T20 appearances.

Earlier this week, limited overs captain Alex Lees said: “Azeem Rafiq bowling anywhere near his best, he's one of the best one-day spinners in the country.

“Azeem struggled a few years ago, but he's gone away and found himself. He now feels like he's in the right headspace to give it another crack.

“He's bowled really well in the (second-team) matches he's played so far, and he'll get more chances to bowl his overs. He seems almost a different bloke now to what he was when he left us.”

Director of professional cricket Martyn Moxon yesterday added: “Azeem has played for the second team over the last couple of weeks, and in light of his positive performances, we are delighted to offer him a new contract.”

Twenty-year-old Shaw agreed a season-long loan with Division Two side Gloucestershire during the winter, and he has gone on to take 17 wickets in seven Championship matches, including two four-wicket hauls.

“Josh’s loan spell at Gloucestershire has helped with his development this year, and this is clear to see from the wickets he has taken,” said Moxon.

“With Liam Plunkett and David Willey being called up to the England ODI squad, and with injuries to Ryan Sidebottom, Matthew Fisher and Jack Brooks, our seam bowling resources are stretched.

“Therefore, we have requested that Josh returns from his loan spell with immediate effect.

“An option is in place for Josh to return to Gloucestershire at some stage during the season.”

Tonight’s clash is a must win for a Yorkshire side who have lost three of four in the Blast, with the other rained off at Birmingham last Friday.

They are likely to need seven wins out of 10 remaining North Group matches to secure a top four finish and a place in quarter-finals.

Yorkshire’s full complement of England players are available tonight and on Sunday against Derbyshire at Headingley.

Availability for the latter was a call made by England yesterday following wet conditions in Nottingham, where they play Sri Lanka in the first ODI on Tuesday.