Gloucestershire have signed Australian batsman Peter Handscomb as their second overseas player for the coming season.
The 23-year-old, who has represented Australia at Under-19 level, came to prominence with an innings of 103 not out for his Big Bash League side Melbourne Stars as they beat Perth Scorchers in January.
That was one of only two centuries in the competition this season - with the other made by Handscomb's new Gloucestershire team-mate Michael Klinger.
Hanscomb said: “It has always been an ambition of mine to play county cricket and I was delighted when Gloucestershire expressed an interest in me joining them.
"I have heard good things about the players at Nevil Road and I am looking forward to meeting up with them in April.”
Handscomb will be available in all competitions for Gloucestershire, and his Sheffield Shield record this season - 468 runs at 58.50 in nine innings - suggests he will be able to contribute well in the LV= County Championship as well.
Gloucestershire head coach Richard Dawson said: “It is brilliant for the club to get Peter for the season. Peter is a young, exciting player who is highly rated in Australia.
"He’s coming off the back of an exceptional season with Victoria in the Sheffield Shield and also in the Big Bash League, where he made headlines with his hundred for the Melbourne Stars."