Travis Head signs for Yorkshire

Yorkshire have signed Travis Head, the South Australia, Adelaide Strikers and Australia batsman, for the second half of the English season.

Head, 22, who made his debut for Australia in the T20 series against India last month, will replace Kane Williamson from July 18 when he returns to international duty.

The move will reunite Head with Jason Gillespie who was the Strikers coach during the 2015-16 Big Bash where Head excelled with 299 runs at a strike-rate of 154.92 runs. His standout innings was an unbeaten 101 against Sydney Sixers when he took 51 runs off the last three overs to win the match for the Strikers.

His returns in the current Sheffield Shield season are not as eye-catching with 322 runs in seven matches at an average 24.76, but Gillespie expects him to play a key role in all three formats.

"Travis is a great signing for us," Gillespie said. "He has had a terrific season in Australia and is eager to develop his skills in England.

"The fact that he can adapt to all formats is beneficial to us. He will add something different to the squad with his aggressive batting style and his ability with the ball as a genuine spinner.

"He has a lot of maturity for a young man and his cricket intelligence is improving with every match. He will fit in nicely to our system."

Head said: "To play across all formats is important to me and playing in English conditions will be a good challenge. I can't wait to get over and make an impact."