Ravichandran Ashwin will stay on in England to play for Worcestershire after the conclusion of India’s Test series.

The off-spinner, who played for the Pears last year, will return for their final two Championship games in 2018.

Ashwin made a major contribution for the county last season, taking 20 wickets and averaging 42.5 with the bat during his four matches.

Worcestershire head coach Kevin Sharp said: “Ashwin is world class and he loved it at Worcestershire. Conversations have been ongoing about him coming back and I’m sure he will be a great fillip for us. He had a massive input for us on and off the field last summer in helping us gain promotion and he is a high class individual.”

Ashwin will play at Chelmsford in the game against Essex starting on September 18 and then the home game against Yorkshire the following week. Worcestershire are currently bottom of the table and seeking to avoid relegation.

“We are delighted to have Ashwin coming back for what could be a key part of the season,” said Worcestershire’s chief executive Matt Rawnsley. “He is one of the best spinners in world cricket and the influence he had when here last season cannot be underestimated.

“The lads all speak so highly of him, the impact he had on the field and the way he slotted in so well off the pitch and he was willing to offer advice to our young spinners like Ben Twohig.”

Ashwin is the fastest bowler to 300 Test wickets and is likely to play a crucial role in the forthcoming five-match Test series.