YORKSHIRE have announced the signing of Australian seamer Mark Steketee on a short-term contract.

The right-arm bowler joins fellow overseas player Shan Masood at Headingley and will be available for an initial four-game spell, starting with the LV= Insurance County Championship game against Gloucestershire later this month.

The 29-year-old has 248 first-class wickets and played for Essex last season, featuring against his new side in a Championship draw at Chelmsford.

Yorkshire managing director of cricket Darren Gough said: “Mark is a very talented young player and has performed well in Australia.

“With the schedule Yorkshire have – the Blast games followed quickly by Championship cricket – and current injuries in our ranks it was important that we strengthen the side in our bowling resources.

“Mark will be a wonderful addition to our current squad and help give a further boost to our Championship campaign.

“We have our first Championship win under our belt, and we want to push on from here. Mark can bring something more to our bowling line-up.

“Here at Yorkshire, we are still working hard on getting the balance right between youth and experience and we now feel we have got a squad where we have plenty of opportunities for everyone.”