Thursday 12 April 2018 20:27, UK
Somerset have signed England-born Australian batsman Matt Renshaw as their overseas player for the 2018 season.
Renshaw, 22, replaces Australia team-mate Cameron Bancroft, who was suspended for his part in the ball-tampering scandal during the third Test against South Africa in March.
Bancroft admitted using sandpaper to tamper with the ball and was suspended from international and state cricket for nine months by Cricket Australia. Former captain Steve Smith and David Warner received 12-month bans.
The opener was eligible to play club cricket under the terms of the ban but Somerset terminated the deal following the incident.
Renshaw, who was born in Middlesbrough, has scored 630 runs in 13 Test appearances for Australia with a highest score of 184.
The opener will be available in all formats for Somerset until June 30 before returning to Australia on August 19. He will be in contention to face Worcestershire in the County Championship game starting on April 20.
Renshaw said he was "delighted" to play for Somerset this summer.
"I've heard lots of good things about the club and I understand I will be following in the footsteps of some outstanding Australian batsmen," Renshaw said. "It will be a new challenge for me."
