KANE WILLIAMSON has agreed to return to Yorkshire on a short-term overseas contract for the forthcoming summer.

The New Zealand star batsman, who takes over as permanent captain of the Black Caps from March, will play all formats for the county champions from June 9 to July 18.

It will be the 25-year-old’s third spell at Headingley, where he helped win the first of back-to-back County Championship titles in 2014.

Williamson was due to play for Yorkshire at the end of last season, but contractual issues surrounding Australian Aaron Finch meant it did not happen.

In 2016, he will be available for three Championship, eight Twenty20 and three 50-over matches, leaving Yorkshire with the option of signing a replacement to fill the gaps at either end of the season. 

“We are delighted to welcome Kane back to Headingley. He is a quality player and person,” said coach Jason Gillespie. 

“The opportunity to secure one of, if not, the best players in the world is one you have to take up. His value as a player is beyond question. His attitude, work ethic and leadership as an overseas player is brilliant. 

“We can't wait to welcome Kane back to his second home at our great club.”

Williamson is current captaining New Zealand in a home one-day series against Pakistan, and will do so again at the World Twenty20 in India in March when he takes over from the retiring - and currently injured - Brendon McCullum.