D'Arcy Short joins Surrey for T20 Blast

The Australian opener replaces Aaron Finch as the club's overseas batsman for the competition after turning down a deal to stay at Durham

Surrey have confirmed their second overseas signing for next season's T20 Blast after announcing the addition of D'Arcy Short.

The 29-year-old spent last season with Durham where he finished as the fourth-highest run-scorer in the Blast with 483 runs in 12 innings.

However, after turning down a contract extension to remain in the north east, Short has been picked up Surrey for the 2020 campaign.

“I enjoyed my time in the Blast in 2019," he said. "To have the opportunity to come back in 2020 and play in front of full houses at one of the best grounds in the world is brilliant. I am already looking forward to joining up with the boys and I thank all involved for the opportunity.”

Director of cricket Alec Stewart added: "We’re delighted D’Arcy will join us for next year’s Vitality Blast. With Aaron Finch unavailable, it was vitally important that we replaced him with a powerful batsman at the top of the order.

"D’Arcy was highly impressive with both bat and ball in this year’s competition and we look forward to seeing him build on that in the 2020 season."

As well as his exploits in England, Short has thrived in his Australian homeland also having finished as the leading run-getter in each of the last two Big Bash campaigns with Hobart Hurricanes.

It is likely to be a busy summer for Short, who is could be involved in Australia's limited over tour against England which comprises of three T20s and three ODIs, before taking part in The Hundred after being drafted by Trent Rockets.