Knights sign Gibbs, Hodge and Warner for T20s

New Zealand's Northern Knights will boast an envious roster after signing Herschelle Gibbs, Brad Hodge and David Warner for this summer's domestic Twenty20 tournament. Only two overseas players are allowed per match so the trio of big-hitting batsmen will be rotated during the event.

Gibbs, who has played 90 Tests and 248 ODIs for South Africa, should be available from December 12 once his home domestic commitments are finished, while Victoria's Hodge is scheduled to appear in the first four games. Warner will be able to fly across for half the side's fixtures, although his batting time will be reduced if he is picked in New South Wales' Sheffield Shield side.

David Cooper, the Northern Districts chief executive, said finalising the unique arrangements took some time. "We were also looking to make sure we had players who were the right fit for the team's brand of cricket and its culture," he said. "We're thrilled that the upshot is that Northern Knights fans will have the chance to see all three of these big names."

Cooper also hopes to have Hamish Marshall as an overseas player from January. Marshall played 13 Tests and 66 ODIs for New Zealand, but has to sign as a foreigner due to him representing Gloucestershire in English county cricket.