MARTYN'S RECORD 39 Tests 2,339 runs, average 45.86, 5x100s, 15x50s, highest score 133 143 ODIs 3,484 runs, average 41.47, 5x100s, 20x50s, highest score 144no Martyn's summer of discontent

Martyn will join fellow Aussie Stuart MacGill at Trent Bridge as the club look for promotion in both the Championship and National League.

"Stuart has spoken very highly of the club and its facilities," he said.

Martyn appeared briefly for Yorkshire in 2003 and played one of the innings of the season when he hit 238 off 159 balls against Gloucestershire.

"Having another Aussie in the side will help me settle in, especially as he is a good friend of mine.

"But I'm also looking forward to linking up again with [captain] Jason Gallian, who I played with for a couple of years for the Australia under-19s.

"I've got good memories of my brief spell in county cricket with Yorkshire last year and I'm looking forward to a winning season at Trent Bridge," said Martyn.

Damien is a top quality international batsman Mick Newell

Martyn was one of Wisden's five Cricketer of the Year in 2002 and last year helped Australia win the World Cup in South Africa, making 88 not out in the final despite batting with a broken finger.

Director of Cricket Mick Newell said the club had already "taken the precaution of identifying a possible substitute" to cover for Martyn if he is called away on international duty.

It is thought that uncapped David Hussey will fill the stand-in role after a hugely successful season for Victoria in Australian domestic cricket.

The 26-year-old, younger brother of former Northamptonshire skipper Mike Hussey. has scored 811 runs at an average of 90 in the Pura Cup, including an innings of 212 not out against New South Wales.

Notts have made four other signings since the end of last summer with Ryan Sidebottom, Mark Ealham, Anurag Singh and David Alleyne also joining the club.