YORKSHIRE have secured the major overseas signings of batsmen Aaron Finch and Glenn Maxwell for the forthcoming summer.

The White Rose county welcome two of Australia’s most powerful World Cup stars in 2015, with Finch returning to the club to play in all formats and Maxwell joining for his maiden spell as the specialist T20 player.

Both players, close friends, will arrive at Headingley after their commitments at the Indian Premier League in May.

Their availability will then depend upon international call-ups, with Australia set to tour the West Indies and England this summer.

Although Australia T20 captain Finch struggled for consistency for Yorkshire in that format in 2014, he showed glimpses of excellence at the top of the order against Lancashire and Nottinghamshire.

In five LV= County Championship matches, he was superb in the middle order with 291 runs at 48.5, including a century at Warwickshire.

“It is great to be heading back to Yorkshire,” said 28-year-old Finch. “I enjoyed my time with the club last year, and made some lifelong friendships.

“Yorkshire is a great club, one of the best around, and the way they play the game is very positive.

“To have made a contribution to their success of winning the title was really good. I relished the challenge of playing in the County Championship against the moving red ball. It has certainly enhanced my game.

“This year, the club will be aiming to win the title again.

“And, having spoken to Frog (Martyn Moxon) and Dizzy (Jason Gillespie), there is a major emphasis on doing well in the T20 competition.

“There were signs last year that when we get it right, we are a difficult side to beat. With more application and an improvement in how we approach the game, we can make a concerted effort in challenging for honours.

“Having Maxi playing alongside me will be terrific. He is a true competitor, and loves the shorter form of the game. He is motivated to be playing his cricket at Headingley.”

Maxwell, named Australia’s T20 player of the year at last night’s Allan Border medal ceremony, has played county cricket for Surrey and, most recently in 2014, Hampshire.

“Yorkshire are one of biggest clubs in the world, and to get the chance to play for them is an honour,” said the 26-year-old right-hander, who also bowls useful off-spinners.

“I had two great spells with Hampshire and loved every minute. Heading to Yorkshire gives me a new challenge that I will relish.

“They haven’t had much luck in the T20 tournament during the last couple of years, but with me and Finchy coming in, we hope we can change that.”