The Aussie county cricket influx continues as Peter Handscomb signs on to lead Middlesex in 2020
Handscomb to captain Middlesex in county cricket
Australia batsman Peter Handscomb has been made Middlesex captain for the English county's first-class and one-day sides.
The 28-year-old, who has played 40 times for his country across all formats will arrive at Lord's on a two-year deal.
Handscomb, who takes over as skipper following Dawid Malan's move to Yorkshire, also captains Victoria and has led them to three Sheffield shield titles.
Middlesex's head coach Stuart Law, the former Australian ODI batsman, said: "We are delighted and excited to have an all-round cricketer of Peter's stature at the club.
"Peter is a fine player and he will fill a couple of the gaps that have been created.
"He is a successful captain, a fine middle-order player and the sort of character who will help create a strong positive environment that will keep moving the club forward.
"He has been brought up in a tough environment and his background will help with the continued development of our young cricketers."
The Handscomb announcement comes just days after Australia spinner Nathan Lyon was unveiled as Hampshire's latest recruit.
The 31-year-old will represent Hampshire in red-ball cricket in 2020, his first foray into the 10-team Division One after playing four County Championship games with Worcestershire in Division Two in 2017.
Australian T20 squad member Sean Abbott has signed on to play up to 10 County Championship games with Derbyshire next season in a deal for the first-half of the season, and could also feature in T20 games for the county.
Queensland Bulls seamer Michael Neser has signed on to join London county Surrey for the first half of the season.
Surrey have also signed D'Arcy Short for their domestic T20 competition, which will run separate from the new 'Hundred' concept being played in England next winter.
South Australia captain Travis Head will join Sussex for the entire 2020 season, playing all formats for the Jason Gillespie-coached county.
Cameron Bancroft will return to Durham where he captained the side in 2019, while Peter Siddle will again play for Essex and Sean Abbott has been picked up by Derbyshire.