Matt Renshaw signs up as Somerset's second overseas player for 2022 domestic season

Matt Renshaw has signed a contract to play for Somerset as an overseas player in 2022. Renshaw, the 25-year-old batter who played 11 Tests for Australia from 2016 until 2018, will be available for most of the season in both the County Championship as well as the Royal London Cup.

The club said in a statement that he would be available "until at least the end of August". Andy Hurry, Somerset's director of cricket, said: "There is no doubt that Matt is a quality performer, and he has proved that on the biggest stage. He burst on to the scene and caught the eye at a young age, and through hard work and determination, he is once again on the cusp of international recognition.

"We wanted to bolster our ability to put opposition bowlers under real pressure, and this will be a great opportunity for him to contribute to our success and to put himself right back in the frame for selection for the national team."

Renshaw previously spent the first half of the 2018 season with Somerset, replacing Cameron Bancroft in the aftermath of the Newlands ball-tampering scandal. He scored three hundreds in his six Championship games - including one before lunch against Yorkshire - and proved a popular signing at the time.

He has also been pressing his case for a Test recall in the Sheffield Shield this season, capped by a call-up for Australia A against the England Lions.

"I really enjoyed my time at Somerset in 2018, and I can't wait to go back," Renshaw said. "It's a special place, and there's a great atmosphere around the whole club. I've kept in touch with a lot of the guys there, and when I got the opportunity to go back, I jumped at the chance.

"Although I was only there for a short time, the members and supporters really got behind me and made me feel extremely welcome. I've never forgotten that, and hopefully I can help give them something to cheer about in 2022. I know they've always wanted that Championship trophy, so let's see what we can do."

Renshaw is the second overseas signing that Somerset have confirmed for 2022, with Marchant de Lange, the South Africa fast bowler, also returning for the second year of a two-year contract across formats.