Harvey joins Northamptonshire

Ian Harvey, the former Australia allrounder, has joined Northamptonshire for their Twenty20 Cup campaign next month.

"I'm excited about this opportunity to return to Twenty20 cricket, where I still feel I have a lot to offer as a player and in passing on my experience to the young, talented players here at Northants," Harvey told the club's website.

Northamptonshire have been beset by injuries to key players this season, including David Sales, Stephen Peters and Steven Crook, while Niall O'Brien has also been absent on international duty for Ireland.

"We have been fortunate to secure Ian's services during the Twenty20 period. His proven track record shows he is one of the most outstanding performers of Twenty20, since its conception," said David Capel, the Northamptonshire coach.

"Our younger players have a great opportunity to learn from one of Twenty20's record making batsman and a proven match winner with the ball in one-day cricket.

"This signing obviously strengthens our squad and will improve our competitiveness in all areas, especially as Twenty20 is becoming so important to the players, the club and our supporters."

Harvey, 37, has had stints with Yorkshire, Gloucestershire, Derbyshire and Hampshire in a 17-year career, as well as representing Chennai Superstars in the Indian Cricket League.