Steelbacks swoop for veteran Harvey

Ian Harvey hooks Leicestershire's Ottis Gibson in the 2005 Twenty20 Cup at Grace Road during his spell at Yorkshire

Northamptonshire have signed former Australia all-rounder Ian Harvey on an overseas deal for the Twenty20 Cup.

Harvey, 37, who played 73 one-day internationals for Australia between 1997 and 2004, has a decade of experience in county cricket following spells with Gloucestershire, Yorkshire, Derbyshire and Hampshire, for whom he played last season.

He is expected to make his debut for the Steelbacks in the opening Twenty20 match against Warwickshire at Wantage Road on May 25.

Harvey said: “I’m excited about this opportunity to return to Twenty20 cricket, where I still feel I have a lot to offer as a player and in passing on my experience to the young, talented players here at Northants.”

The Victorian is set to open the batting for the Steelbacks, with fellow top-order batsmen Stephen Peters (thumb), David Sales (knee) and Niall O’Brien (World Twenty20 duty) unavailable for much of the competition.

Harvey has an outstanding record in the Twenty20 Cup, with 892 runs and three centuries in 24 matches.

Northants head coach David Capel said: “We have been fortunate to secure Ian’s services during the Twenty20 period. His proven track record shows he is one of the most outstanding performers of Twenty20, since its conception.

“Our younger players have a great opportunity to learn from one of Twenty20’s record making batsman and a proven match-winner with the ball in one-day cricket.

“This signing obviously strengthens our squad and will improve our competitiveness in all areas, especially as Twenty20 is becoming so important to the players, the club and our supporters.”