NSW batsman Usman Khawaja has been confirmed as Derbyshire’s second overseas player for the forthcoming English county season.
The 25-year-old left-hander, who was axed from the Australian Test squad at the start of the series against India, will join his team-mates before the opening Twenty20 match against Lancashire on June 14 and remain with the county for the remainder of the campaign.
“He is a talented and prolific batsman with an excellent future. We are delighted to bring him back to the County Ground,” head coach Karl Krikken said of Khawaja, who spent two months with Derbyshire last season.
Khawaja is a good chance of being included in Australia’s squad to play in a three-Test series against West Indies in the Caribbean between April 7-27, especially given Shaun Marsh’s recent struggles batting at No.3 against India.
Earlier this month, fellow New South Welshman Phil Hughes announced he would play the entire English county season for Worcestershire following his axing from the Australian Test team for the home series against New Zealand.