Yorkshire sign up Williamson

Yorkshire have confirmed the signing of New Zealand international Kane Williamson as their overseas player for the 2014 season after he made an impressive short-term contribution to their abortive Championship challenge.

Williamson, 23, who joined Yorkshire in August, averaged 53 with the bat from seven Championship innings including a top score of 97 only for Yorkshire's challenge to be outdone as Durham won their third title in six seasons.

Despite the disappointment, Yorkshire have taken to Williamson, both for his zealous approach and ability to bat on difficult pitches, and now see him as a potential long-term overseas signing.

"It is great news to have Kane on board for next season," said Yorkshire's director of cricket Martyn Moxon. "He has settled in well and is a popular member of the dressing room. We have seen him excel in four-day cricket in the short time he has been with us and I have no doubt that he will be a tremendous asset in all forms of the game next season.

"For a young man, he has already gained a massive amount of experience playing at the highest level against the best teams in the world. He should be available for the majority of next season and play his part in our efforts to be successful and competitive in all forms of the game."

Yorkshire have vowed to improve their limited-overs performances next season and, although Williamson is not renowned as a one-day player, a changed Twenty20 format, which sees the tournament played on Friday nights for the majority of the season, means that overseas players will have to adapt to all formats.

Williamson, who plays his final match against Surrey at The Oval, believes Yorkshire are on the verge of a successful period. "I have only been at the club for a short period of time and already it feels like I have been playing here for many years," said Williamson.

"One of the reasons why I wanted to return next season was the fact that we are on verge of something special. We have all the processes in place to be successful over the next few years.

"I know all about the history and the traditions of the club. Even back home it is talked about fondly and is held in high esteem. It would be nice to be part of the squad that creates its own piece of history.

Once his commitments come to an end with Yorkshire at the end of this week, Williamson will be joining up with New Zealand on their tour of Bangladesh and Sri Lanka before home series against West Indies and India.