Young fast bowler Chris Tremain will become the third Australian import to turn out for Northern Districts this season when he faces the winless Central Districts in the national Twenty20 cricket competition.

The 22-year-old Tremain, released by Big Bash League side Sydney Thunder to gain match practice, will make his debut in Nelson on Friday for the competition front-runners.

He’s made five BBL appearance for the Thunder and has six first-class outings for New South Wales under his belt.

Compatriots Ben Laughlin and Daniel Harris played for Northern in November and Harris may return in early January.

NZ Test wicketkeeper BJ Watling returns to the side, while veteran Scott Styris is back after a calf injury.