Jaques signs Northants deal

Jaques has played just two first-class matches in his career

Left-handed batsman Phil Jaques has signed a deal to play for Northamptonshire this season.

He has made the move after failing to play a single fixture for his Australian state side, New South Wales, in the 2002-03 season.

He will probably make his Northants debut against Yorkshire at Headingley on 18 April.

Jaques, who comes from Sydney but is qualified to play for England, was a member of the Australian Academy three years ago.

Northamptonshire chief executive Steve Coverdale said county batsman Jeff Cook had watched Jaques in grade cricket before recommending him to the club.

The 23-year-old has a British passport, so enters the squad as a non-overseas player.

Coverdale added: "[New coach] Kepler Wessels has spoken to Geoff Lawson, who is still involved with New South Wales cricket, and also to Mark Taylor.

"He has said that if he gets a new contract with New South Wales then he will only accept it as an overseas player. He is committing himself to English cricket."