Renshaw replaces Bancroft at Somerset

Somerset have signed Australia opener Matt Renshaw as a replacement for his banned countryman Cameron Bancroft.

The county announced at the end of last month that Bancroft would not be joining as an overseas player following his role in the ball-tampering scandal during Australia's Test series in South Africa.

Renshaw replaced Bancroft for the final Test at Johannesburg and he has now agreed a deal to start the County Championship campaign with Somerset.

The 22-year-old is in contention to face Worcestershire in Somerset's opener next week and will remain with the county until June 30 before returning on August 19 to see out the season at Taunton.

"I'm delighted to have the opportunity to play alongside some very experienced players and the exciting young talent that is coming through at Taunton," said Yorkshire-born Renshaw.

"I've heard a lot of good things about the club and I understand that I will be following in the footsteps of some outstanding Australian batsmen.

"It will be a new challenge for me but it's one that I'm really looking forward to."

Speaking to cricket.com.au last month, before Bancroft lost his contract with Somerset, Renshaw said he had been shopping himself around to the county teams.

"Hopefully I get the opportunity to play county cricket so I can face the Dukes ball in England and see what the difference is," he said.

"We've been putting some feelers out there and seeing what's coming. Nothing's come up yet, but hopefully if the opportunity does come up, I can work on my game a bit more.

"I'd just be really excited to take that opportunity if it comes. It'd just keep my cricket ticking over in the winter ahead of another Shield season, if I'm not playing at a higher level."

The Queensland batsman has played 11 Tests for Australia, averaging 33.47 with a highest score of 184 against Pakistan.

"It has been important for us to act swiftly, but to remain pragmatic in identifying the best fit for our needs and I am delighted that we have signed Matt," Somerset director of cricket Andy Hurry said.

"He is a player who is highly driven to succeed and has demonstrated the ability to bat for long periods of time, but he also has the ability to move through the gears.

"He is a player of quality, is on an upward trajectory and we feel that he will certainly flourish in our environment."