Notts turn to Jaques for cover

Nottinghamshire have signed Australian batsman Phil Jaques on a short-term deal for the start of next season in anticipation of losing Alex Hales to the IPL.

Jaques, 34, is highly experienced in county cricket and will bolster Notts' batting line up in the first part of the season. He will arrive at Trent Bridge on April 1 and remain until mid-June.

Notts granted Hales, the England T20 opener, permission to enter the IPL auction for next season's edition, which is expected to run from early April to mid-May following the World T20. Hales could therefore miss a large portion of the County Championship.

But in Jaques, Notts have acquired a proven performer with eight seasons of county cricket behind him, chiefly with Yorkshire, for whom he scored 770 runs at 36.66 last season to help them to second place in the Championship.

"Phil has scored runs consistently for Yorkshire over the past couple of seasons and he is highly regarded within the game for his ability and for his character," Nottinghamshire director of cricket Mick Newell said.

"This deal was on the cards when we granted permission for Alex to seek an IPL deal and it fits nicely with Phil's desire to play county cricket next season."

Jaques retired from first-class cricket in Australia and holds a British passport so the deal has no implications for Notts' overseas player targets.

"I've spoken to a few of the Australian players who have played for Nottinghamshire and they all speak very highly of the setup, the people and the ground," Jaques said.

"I've got good memories of playing at Trent Bridge and I enjoy the proximity to the crowd and the atmosphere created by walking through the members on the pavilion steps.

"A short-term deal fits nicely for me, having a young family, and I look forward to making a contribution."

Notts struggled in the Championship last season and entered the final round of matches in danger of being relegated. But they compensated for their four-day performances by winning the Yorkshire Bank 40.

Despite the success, club captain Chris Read relinquished the role in one-day cricket with James Taylor being appointed in his place.