BILLY Stanlake spoke to Yorkshire legends Jason Gillespie and Darren Lehmann about joining the Vikings for this summer's Vitality Blast – but the Aussie paceman admitted: "I didn't need convincing to sign."

The 23-year-old bowler will arrive at Emerald Headingley in July as one of the Vikings' two overseas players alongside Kane Williamson.

New Zealand captain Williamson has just played against Stanlake in the T20 international tri-series down under and will line up with him for Sunrisers Hyderabad in next month's Indian Premier League.

The 6ft 8in fast bowler from the Gold Coast has enjoyed a memorable Australian summer, grabbing plenty of headlines for helping Adelaide Strikers win the Big Bash and then his country seal the aforementioned tri-series.

"This year I've been able to play some continuous cricket, rather than just a game here and there," said Stanlake, who has had his fair share of injury problems in the past.

"The body's been in really good nick, so that's been a big part of playing some good cricket and getting my name up there.

"It's a very exciting opportunity for me to be able to play for Yorkshire. I've never been over to the UK, let alone play over there.

"I'm rapt to go over there and play some cricket in English conditions. It's going to be great fun.

"I was in Melbourne about a month ago playing in the Big Bash and I was with my manager.

"We got chatting with a correspondent from the UK about how good it would be to go and play over there. That's how it came about.

"We said 'let's try and get onto it quickly and see how it goes'. All of a sudden, we heard Yorkshire were keen. It all happened very quickly."

Stanlake has only played cricket alongside one current Yorkshire player, Adil Rashid with the Strikers a couple of years ago.

Yet he has a host of White Rose connections around him, including Gillespie as coach of the Strikers and Lehmann as coach of Australia.

Stanlake said: "They spoke to me about the club and the place, having been there before, but it was a very easy decision for me to sign. I was champing at the bit and can't wait to come.

"They are terrific blokes to work with. The great thing is that they don't heap too much pressure on you and keep things very simple. As a young player, that makes things a lot easier.

"I've played with Adil but I haven't played with anybody else from Yorkshire. I'm looking forward to forging some new friendships over there."

Stanlake took 11 wickets in ten Big Bash appearances for champion side Adelaide either side of Christmas.

He said: "Unfortunately I wasn't there for the semis and the final but the boys did a great job. There was a great vibe around the group all the way through.

"I think a lot of people had us pegged to finish down at the bottom, so to come out on top just shows what a great group and coaching staff we have. Hopefully we can do it again next year."

Stanlake then took eight wickets in five appearances during the T20 tri-series and hopes the winning habit he has created of late can carry on through to mid-September with Yorkshire.

"The experience of winning competitions and big series' can only hold you in good stead," he said.

"When you're winning games, it's great for your confidence. You see different situations and learn how to get through them."