MOHAMMAD Amir is in contention to make his first Essex Eagles appearance of the season against Hampshire tomorrow, after his UK sporting visa was finally approved.

Amir has missed the Eagles' last two Vitality Blast fixtures after the former Pakistan Test bowler's paperwork was delayed.

And Essex chairman John Faragher admits the club were left frustrated as they were unable to call upon Amir.

Faragher said: “We are just as disappointed as the fans to have not yet seen Amir in action against both Middlesex and Gloucestershire.

"As per his contract, he was always due to miss the fixtures against Surrey and Kent Spitfires, but we are extremely frustrated that he has now missed a further two Vitality Blast fixtures.

“Hopefully he will be able to make his return against Hampshire at the Cloudfm County Ground tomorrow.”

It is now understood that Amir, who retired from Test match cricket last week, has seen his application for a UK sporting visa approved.

Amir tweeted a picture of himself at Chelmsford on Tuesday, with the caption 'Back to work'.

And the Eagles will be hoping to see Amir firing on all cylinders should he be included in the squad to face Hampshire.

While Essex recorded a win over Surrey, they also suffered defeats at Middlesex and Kent before a meeting with Gloucestershire was abandoned without a ball being bowled due to the inclement weather.

As a result, the Eagles have notched just one win from their opening four Vitality Blast fixtures and the County Championship table-toppers need to return to form if they are to reach the knockout stages of the competition.

Jamie Porter may also be included in the Eagles' squad.

Porter featured in a Second XI clash on Tuesday following a back spasm injury suffered while on England Lions duty.