Australia batsman Aaron Finch signs for Yorkshire

Australia`s hard-hitting opening batsman Aaron Finch has signed a deal to play for Yorkshire in this year`s English county season.

One of the top Twenty20 batsmen in the world, Finch, will join the team in May after his Indian Premier League commitments are over and is slated to be a big draw in the T20 Blast that is scheduled on Fridays from May to July. Finch, who scored handsomely against England in their recent limited-overs series, credited Australia coach Darren Lehmann for helping him make up his mind. "When I heard Yorkshire was interested in signing me, I had no hesitation in signing," the 27-year-old told the club`s website. "I had a good chat with Darren Lehmann and he recommended that I joined the club. He can`t speak highly enough of the place and Yorkshire`s loyal supporters. "I hope to play in all formats whilst I`m at the club and even though the T20 season will be very exciting, I`m looking forward to testing myself in red ball cricket too." With axed England batsman Kevin Pietersen also agreeing a deal to play for Surrey, the English T20 season is set to receive a boost. "I`d definitely back him (Finch) to score more runs for us than Kevin Pietersen does for Surrey," Yorkshire chief executive Mark Arthur was quoted as saying by the Guardian newspaper. "He`s an exciting player and a box-office signing, both for Yorkshire and for English cricket."