Gloucestershire's new acquisition Brendan Drew

Gloucestershire have registered 24-year-old Australian seam bowler Brendan Drew on a short-term agreement.

He replaces Marcus North - who has been called into the Australia A squad - as the county's overseas player.

Drew will debut in Wednesday's Pro40 Division One game against Middlesex at Bristol and will be eligible for Saturday's match at Worcester.

He told the club's website: "I am really excited about the opportunity to play some county cricket."

Team mentor Jack Russell added: "We are delighted he is joining us for a short spell to add to our attack."

Drew took 26 wickets for Tasmania in the 2006/07 season and was invited by the Australian selectors to their academy in 2007.

He was also named in the preliminary squad of 30 for last year's World Twenty20.