Gloucestershire sign Australia star Cameron Bancroft

Gloucestershire have signed Australia wicketkeeper/batsman Cameron Bancroft as their overseas player for the first two months of the season.

Bancroft, 23, made his Australia debut in last month's T20 series against India, and he will stand in for Michael Klinger as Gloucestershire's overseas star until the end of May.

The Western Australia opener will be available for Gloucestershire's first five County Championship games.

He was the third highest scorer in last year's Sheffield Shield, with 896 runs, averaging 47.

Gloucestershire head coach Richard Dawson told the club's website: "He's been performing really well for Western Australia in four-day cricket for the last few seasons batting at the top of the order.

"He will bolster our batting during that period and he also gives us cover with the gloves if required.

"I talked to him this week and his hunger to come over and have a crack at county cricket really impressed me. He wants to come and learn and improve his game and that was massive for me.

"Maxy (Michael Klinger) has given him really good reviews - he said he's very fit, hard-working and is committed to trying to improve and kick on

"His attitude and the fact that he is 23 means he is a really good fit for our changing room which is also important."

Bancroft said: "It is a great honour to be given the opportunity to come and play for Gloucestershire County Cricket Club at the beginning of the season.

"The club comes with a great history and I am looking forward to being a part of that and contributing plenty of runs to help drive this team to success this season. I can't wait!"