GLOUCESTERSHIRE'S Andrew ‘AJ’ Tye will be returning to the club for the Vitality Blast in 2019.

The 32-year-old will be a familiar face to Gloucestershire supporters after impressing in the T20 competition in 2016 and 2018.

Speaking on his return to Gloucestershire AJ said: “I'm delighted to be returning to Gloucestershire again this year. It's a great club with a lot of good people and I thoroughly enjoyed last season. I’m looking forward to contributing again to the club's T20 campaign and hopefully we can build on last season and go all the way to win the trophy in 2019.”

Tye, who has taken a total of 31 wickets in 25 matches for Gloucestershire, will be re-joining his former teammates in time for the start of the sold-out Vitality Blast competition opener against Glamorgan at Cheltenham College on Friday, June 19.

AJ has been in fine form as of late for the Australia A side, currently on tour in England. He picked up six wickets in ten overs in their One-Day match against Derbyshire on June 23. Supporters and members have the opportunity to see Andrew in action for the Australia A side when they face Gloucestershire at the Bristol County Ground in two One-Day matches on June 30 and July 2.

In 2018, Tye claimed the honour of winning the purple cap – the most wickets taken – in the Indian Premier League (IPL) after claiming 24 wickets in 14 matches. He also took an impressive 13 wickets in 11 matches for Gloucestershire in last year’s T20 competition.

Gloucestershire head coach Richard Dawson added: “We are looking forward to having AJ back for his third stint with us. He will be a vital part of our T20 campaign as he has been in 2016 and 2018. Everybody knows he’s a top performer and he has plenty of experience to share with the squad so it will be great to have him back around the Club.”