YORKSHIRE legend Darren Lehmann played a part in the signing of Pakistan batsman Younus Khan as the county’s overseas recruit for the opening stages of the new season.

Khan will remain with Yorkshire, for whom he played in 2007, until Australian Aaron Finch’s commitments at the Indian Premier League are completed in May.

Although Yorkshire know plenty about the 37-year-old right-hander, director of cricket Martyn Moxon still sought the advice of Australia coach Lehmann, who watched Khan pile on the runs in a pre-Christmas Test series in the United Arab Emirates.

Khan scored two hundreds and a double century against the Aussies in two Test matches, even extending his record to three scores of 100 or more by hitting one against New Zealand shortly afterwards.

During his first spell at Yorkshire, he scored 824 Championship runs in 13 matches, including one hundred and two doubles.

He scored 106 and 202 not out in the same match against Hampshire at Southampton.

“As we’ve alluded to, we are going to have a couple of youngish players playing, and Younus is such a calming influence around the dressing room because of his experience,” said Moxon.

“He’s willing to share knowledge and advice. For someone like a Will Rhodes or a Jack Leaning, he’s going to be really good for those guys.

“At this time of year with the IPL about to start, there aren’t a whole host of players who are available.

“When Younus did become available, with the record he had against Australia before Christmas, we were delighted.”

Moxon revealed: “I spoke to Darren Lehmann about the way he played in that series and having worked with Younus before, it was an easy decision to invite him back. He’s not only a fine player, he’s a fine man, and he will fit into our dressing room easily.

“He got some really big scores when he was last with us, and that’s the thing about Younus – once he gets in, he normally goes on and gets three figures or more.

“That’s what we are trying to get our players to do. We want them to be greedy when they get in because hundreds win you games. He will be a good role model in that regard.”