Moxon expecting Yorkshire’s new signing Finch to provide fireworks

Australian Finch, the man credited with the highest Twenty20 international innings, struck against England at Hampshire last summer, will join up with the squad after the Indian Premier League finishes in May.

There is no end date on Finch’s deal, the primary reason for his signing being to provide cover for Kane Williamson, who is set to tour the West Indies with New Zealand this summer. There could even be some overlap whereby both overseas players represent Yorkshire.

Finch, 27, is to play all forms of cricket in his spell with Yorkshire, but it is in Twenty20 where he is expected to make the biggest impact.

The Melbourne Renegades captain is rated as one of the three best Twenty20 batsmen in world cricket and is expected to fetch a high price in today’s IPL auction.

No matter how astronomical a fee he goes for, though, Yorkshire’s director of professional cricket Martyn Moxon says his county have not bust their budget to sign Finch.

The lure of four-day cricket plus the relationship Yorkshire have with Australia coach and former player Darren Lehmann, were instrumental in the deal being struck.

Finch, whose record innings of 156 from 63 balls at the Rose Bowl last summer is one of two Twenty20 centuries he has struck, said: “It is a great honour to be joining Yorkshire.

“This is one of the biggest cricket clubs in the world with a history and tradition second to none.

“I’ve heard so much about the place and can’t wait to join up with Jason Gillespie and the rest of the squad in May.

“When I heard Yorkshire were interested in signing me I had no hesitation.

“I had a good chat with Darren Lehmann and he recommended that I join the club.

“He cannot speak highly enough of the place and Yorkshire’s loyal supporters.

“I hope to play in all formats whilst I’m at the club and even though the T20 season will be very exciting, I’m looking forward to testing myself in red-ball cricket too.

“It’s important for my cricket development to play in English conditions and to help Yorkshire be a force in all forms of the game will be a good challenge for me.”

The signing is a significant one by Yorkshire, who are hoping to make a big impact in limited-overs cricket this year after a sub-standard showing in 2013.

Depending on which team he signs for today and how far they go in the IPL, Yorkshire hope to have Finch in club colours as early as Friday, May 16, when Yorkshire open their NatWest T20 Blast campaign against the Northamptonshire Steelbacks at Headingley.

Moxon said: “It’s a very exciting signing for us. His statistics show what an explosive player he is, particularly for T20, and he’s going to be a great addition.”

Finch returns to Yorkshire: Page 21.