Short, Richardson to play in T20 blast

English county cricket outfit Durham have signed Australian batsman D'Arcy Short for this season's Twenty20 Blast.

The 28-year-old, who has played four one-day internationals and 20 T20s for Australia, will arrive in July at the Emirates Riverside.

Short is Durham's second overseas player for this campaign, following in the footsteps of compatriot Cameron Bancroft.

Short, the player of the tournament and leading scorer in the past two Big Bash League seasons, said: "I can't wait to get over to Durham and play some cricket.

"Playing in England is something that I have wanted to do for a while and I'm very excited to get started.

"It's very much a new experience for me and a challenge to play on some different grounds, wickets, pitches and against some new bowlers."

Fast bowler Kane Richardson will join the Aussie pair in the UK after signing for Derbyshire.

The 28-year-old recently won the KFC BBL with Melbourne Renegades and was the tournament's leading wicket-taker.

Richardson has played 27 white-ball matches for Australia and will bring experience as well as raw pace to the Falcons squad.

Derbyshire are the only county never to have reached Finals Day, but Richardson is eager to fire his new side into the latter stages.

"I've been lucky to play in T20 tournaments around the world, but this will be my first experience of the Vitality Blast and I'm looking forward to getting going," Richardson told the club website.

"Derbyshire are an ambitious club who have been progressing well in the last few seasons, so hopefully I can contribute towards some wins and get Derbyshire towards the knockout stages."