Elliott scored a hundred to help Yorkshire win the C&G Trophy in 2002

Elliott will deputise for Younis Khan, who will be playing for Pakistan at the World Cup, which lasts until 28 April.

The 35-year-old, who won 21 Test caps, had a previous spell with the club in 2002 and has also played for Glamorgan.

"Whilst I'll only be with the team for a few weeks at the start of the season, I am determined to play my part and put runs on the board," he said.

"The club have taken some knocks over the past few weeks but I am confident that good times are ahead and I am pleased that I can make a contribution."

Yorkshire have yet to appoint a new captain and are still searching for a director of pro cricket and director of cricket development.

But chief executive Stewat Regan said Elliott would add much needed experience to the batting line-up as they look to make a positive start to the summer, having only just escaped relegation in 2006.

"We have been working very hard over the past few weeks to identify quality players who can hit the ground running.

"Matthew is a great acquisition and albeit he will only be with us for a short while we value his support for Yorkshire and look forward to welcoming him back to Headingley Carnegie," he commented.

Elliott's former South Australia team-mate Jason Gillespie recently signed for the entire summer as Yorkshire's second overseas player.