Kiwi star Williamson delighted to return for short stint with Yorkshire

Williamson will return for a third spell with the club from June 9 to July 18, making him eligible for three County Championship, eight T20 and three One-Day Cup games.

The Yorkshire Post understands that the club are also in advanced talks with another overseas batsman for the coming campaign.

“I am very excited to be heading back to Yorkshire,” said Williamson, who is ranked third in the world in Test cricket, fourth in one-day internationals and sixth in T20 internationals.

“I have certainly enjoyed my first two stints there, and I am looking forward to joining the team this summer.

“To play for Yorkshire – a great set-up with a top bunch of people – can only help me improve my game.

“It is an environment where you are encouraged to improve, and the support you get from the Yorkshire followers is the best in England.”

Williamson played six matches for the club in 2013 and 24 the following year, scoring 1,455 runs in all formats at an average of 41.

The 25-year-old has gone from strength to strength since that second spell and is widely regarded as one of the world’s top young batsmen along with Yorkshire team-mate Joe Root and Australia captain Steve Smith.

Last year, Williamson scored a New Zealand record of 2,633 runs in all formats at an average of 65, with eight hundreds and 13 fifties.

A softly-spoken and genial character, with a classical style of batting and a steely temperament, he has built a great relationship with the county champions, who perceive him as an ideal influence on-and-off the field.

Jason Gillespie, the Yorkshire first-team coach, said: “We are delighted to welcome Kane back to Headingley.

“He is a quality player and person.

“The opportunity to secure one of the best players – if not the best – 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.”

Williamson, who averages just under 50 in Tests and ODIs, is tipped to become New Zealand’s greatest batsman.

He is captaining his country in their one-day series against Pakistan and will lead them at the ICC World Twenty20 in India in March.