As a teenager, Shafayat attracted rave reviews from coaches

The 22-year-old has signed a three-year deal after being released from his contract at Wantage Road.

Shafayat, who has scored 3,277 runs at an average of 31.81, said: "During the season I tried to focus on my cricket.

"But once that had finished and I had time to sit and reflect, I came to the conclusion that I wanted to be closer to my family in Nottingham."

Shafayat has captained England Under-19 and played for England A and has been described by various coaches as a player of rare talent.

He can bowl medium pace and can also keep wicket.

Director of cricket at Notts, Mick Newell, said: "I'm very pleased that Bilal wants to return and we are glad to welcome him back to Trent Bridge.

"He's a Nottingham lad and is close to his family, who are still living here. That has been an important factor in his return.

"Under different circumstances, I don't think he would have left in the first place.

"But he has definitely had more opportunities to play first-class cricket than we would have been able to offer him, and I'm sure that will have helped him advance his game.

"His talent has always been clear and I see him becoming a top quality number four in the end.

"But he does also offer the option of wicket-keeping in one-day matches if Chris Read is not available."