CRICKET: Yorkshire confirm return of New Zealand star Kane Williamson

The international star 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.

Yorkshire are also understood to be locked in advanced talks with another overseas batsman for the 2016 season, and Williamson - ranked the third best Test batsman in the world - said: "I am very excited to be heading back to Yorkshire.

"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 times for Yorkshire in 2013 and 24 the following year, scoring 1,455 runs in all formats at an average of 41.

The 25-year-old is widely regarded as one of the world’s top young batsmen, alongside Yorkshire team-mate Joe Root and Australian 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. He is currently leading his country in their one-day series against Pakistan, and will captain them at the ICC World Twenty20 in India in March.

Jason Gillespie, Yorkshire's 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."