Yorkshire sign Australian Harris

Harris had a short spell with Surrey in 2009

Yorkshire have signed Australian paceman Ryan Harris as their overseas player for 2010.

The 30-year-old won the Indian Premier League with Deccan Chargers in 2009 and replaces Pakistan international Rana Naved-ul-Hasan at Headingley.

Former Queensland player Harris said: "When I got the call asking me if I wanted to go and play in Yorkshire I jumped at the chance.

"It's good to be going to what sounds like a very passionate club."

Harris was recommended to Yorkshire by former player and Chargers coach Lehmann and Troy Cooley, the former England and current Australia bowling coach.

Harris added: "When I was playing with Darren Lehmann he would come back to Adelaide and always talk about Yorkshire.

"He really enjoyed his time there and it will be great to get over and see where he is a very much-liked person."

Harris was Queensland's leading wicket-taker last winter and made his solitary one-day appearance for Australia in January this year before a foot injury ruined his chances of making the Test squad for the tour of South Africa.

He fits perfectly into our desire to build an energetic and vibrant team for the future

Yorkshire director of cricket Martyn Moxon

He remains hopeful, however, of staking a claim for an international return.

"I've had a couple of injuries at the wrong times, but I still feel I'm good enough to get into the Australian side," he said.

"The desire is still there and if I come over to Yorkshire and perform well I can put my name up again in front of the selectors."

Yorkshire director of cricket Martyn Moxon said he was delighted to welcome Harris on board.

"Ryan comes highly recommended by a number of people in Australia for his all-round abilities," he said.

"He is an opening bowler who is also useful with the bat and an outstanding fielder. I am delighted that Ryan is able to be with us for the whole season once his IPL commitments have been fulfilled.

"He fits perfectly into our desire to build an energetic and vibrant team for the future."

Harris was signed by Sussex for the 2008 season but was unable to play for them because of problems over his registration. He did, however, have a short spell with Surrey last summer, making two Championship appearances.