Star New Zealand batsman Kane Williamson has signed a deal with his former County side Yorkshire for the fourth time as an overseas player for the upcoming season. He will be available for 11 T20 games apart from four Championship encounters.
The first appearance can be against Durham on July 13 and against Lancashire, he may play the first Championship match from July 22. Somerset, Nottinghamshire and Worcestershire are the other opponents against whom Williamson can play.
Martyn Moxon, Yorkshire’s director of Cricket, said “Kane’s abilities are there for all to see and he has consistently performed well at the highest level for a significant period of time. He’s a cool character and calm, reassuring influence on and off the field. He is a perfect fit for our dressing room at this moment in time.”
“He’s a very experienced and highly skilled individual and, having spent periods of time with us in the past, Kane knows the Club and the players well and will be able to slot straight into our playing group. His career has continued to go from strength to strength and he remains one of the best batsmen in the world. Hopefully, he gives us the boost we need ahead of the 2018 campaign,” he added.
Kiwi skipper had been with Yorkshire in three different seasons – 2013, 2014 and 2016. Yorkshire won the Championship in 2014, where he scored 629 runs at an average of 57.
Williamson said after this announcement “I’m really excited to be linking up with Yorkshire once again. I thoroughly enjoyed my previous spells with the Club and I’m very much looking forward to contributing to a winning Yorkshire side.”
“I’ve enjoyed some of my happiest cricketing moments with the county and I hope I can help improve the team both on and off the field. There have been a few changes since I was last involved but I still know most of the characters in the dressing room and, with Andrew Gale as a coach, I’m sure that the winning culture remains as strong as ever,” he added.
“I’m sure more success is just around the corner and hopefully I can play a part in that.”
