DURHAM have signed Australia international D’Arcy Short for the forthcoming Vitality Blast Twenty20 campaign.

Renowned as one of the most exciting white-ball cricketers in the world, Short, a left-handed top order batsman who can also bowl left-arm leg spin, will join Durham in July.

He should make his Durham debut in the county’s opening T20 fixture at home to Northants Steelbacks on July 19.

The 28-year-old, who has made 24 international appearances for Australia and averages an impressive 32.88 in international T20s, is Durham’s second overseas signing, with his fellow countryman, Cameron Bancroft, already confirmed for the entire 2019 campaign.

Short made his ODI debut against England at Cardiff last year and has featured prominently throughout Australia’s recent white-ball fixtures. His blistering innings of 76 from 44 balls helped the Aussies record the highest international T20 run-chase of 244 against New Zealand last year.

Known for his early-order aggression with the bat and unique bowling style, Short has become a must-have for franchise cricket and has featured for the Hobart Hurricanes in the BBL and IPL side Rajasthan Royals in recent years.

His recent performances in the BBL, which included scoring 637 runs and taking ten wickets, saw him named Player of the Tournament for the second season in a row.

“I can’t wait to get over to Durham and play some cricket,” said Short, “Playing in England is something that I have wanted to do for a while and I’m very excited to get started.

“It’s very much a new experience for me and a challenge to play on some different grounds, wickets, pitches and against some new bowlers.

“It’s nice to have Bangers (Bancroft) who I already know from the Australia set-up and Northy (Marcus North) at Durham, as it’s always a help to have some extra support when you arrive at a new place. Both of them were a big factor in me choosing to join up with Durham Cricket this summer.

“It didn’t take too much persuasion for me to decide to spend my summer in the North-East and I’m looking forward to meeting the lads.”

North, who was recently installed as Durham’s new director of cricket, said: “It’s exciting for everyone here at Durham to announce the arrival of D’Arcy Short for Vitality Blast this season.

“He’s a great player to have around the dressing room and it offers the younger players a great opportunity to observe one of the finest T20 batsmen in world cricket.”