Yorkshire sign Ryan Harris as overseas player

Yorkshire have signed Ryan Harris, the Queensland allrounder, as their overseas player for the 2010 season. Harris made his ODI debut in January but did not add to the appearance and missed the latter stages of the home season with a foot injury.

"Ryan comes highly recommended by a number of people in Australia for his all-round abilities. He is an opening bowler who is also useful with the bat and an outstanding fielder," said Martyn Moxon, the club's professional cricket manager. "I am delighted that Ryan is able to be with us for the whole season once his IPL commitments have been fulfilled. He fits perfectly into our desire to build an energetic and vibrant team for the future."

Harris, 30, said he was kicked to be a part of Yorkshire's set-up and awaited the challenge of county cricket. "When I got the call asking me if I wanted to go and play in Yorkshire, I jumped at the chance. When I was playing with Darren Lehmann he would come back to Adelaide and always talk about Yorkshire and he really enjoyed his time there and it will be great to get over and see where he is a very much-liked person. It's good to be going to what sounds like a very passionate club."

Harris was part of the successful Deccan Chargers squad in this year's IPL but missed a spot in Australia's Twenty20 outfit. Last year he joined Sussex and was let go after one match following his incorrect signing as an England-qualified player. He later picked up a short stint with Surrey for three County Championship matches this year.

Harris will be able to send reminders to the Australian selectors next summer. "I've had a couple of injuries at the wrong times, but I still feel I'm good enough to get into the Australian side," he said. "The desire is still there and if I come over to Yorkshire and perform well I can put my name up again in front of the selectors. Wanting to represent Australia is something that's definitely still there in my heart."

Yorkshire chief executive Stewart Regan added: "I think the signing of Ryan Harris is tremendous news for the Club. He brings experience, quality and both a desire to impress the Yorkshire public and those back in Australia. To have Ryan signed up now means we can concentrate our efforts wholeheartedly on preparing for next summer."

Yorkshire recently released Matthew Hoggard after 15 years with the county.