Durham have signed New Zealand batsman Will Young on a short-term overseas deal.

The 28-year-old, who made his Test debut for the Black Caps in December and has this month played his first one-day internationals against Bangladesh, will act as cover for Australian Cameron Bancroft.

While he will not arrive in time to play the Specsavers County Championship season-opener against Nottinghamshire, he will be available to face Essex, Derbyshire and Warwickshire before Bancroft’s arrival.

Speaking after agreeing to join up with compatriot James Franklin, who is head coach at the Emirates Riverside, Young said: “I’m happy to say I’ve signed with them and I’ll be heading over to join Durham up in the cold and play three first-class games for them, which will be an awesome opportunity to get over to England and be exposed to those conditions and face the new Dukes ball.

“It will be a fun opportunity to meet a new bunch of guys and experience county cricket, which is something I’ve always wanted to do.”

Director of Cricket Marcus North said: “In the absence of Cameron Bancroft, Will will add further strength to our batting line up, along with a wealth of experience. He is in a great place with his cricket having just broken into the Test and One Day sides with New Zealand.”