NEW signing Jake Lehmann says the opportunity to play for Yorkshire was something he could not afford to miss.

Lehmann, 24, the son of Yorkshire legend Darren, is on his way to England from Adelaide with a view to debuting in Saturday’s Specsavers County Championship Roses clash at Emirates Old Trafford.

The South Australian batsman has been recruited as Travis Head’s replacement for the final six Championship matches of the campaign.

He has just finished commitments with Australia A, who have been played their South African counterparts in Queensland.

“I didn’t expect this to happen two days ago,” said Lehmann.

“To get the opportunity to go over and play county cricket for Yorkshire is something you just can’t turn down.

“The experience of playing first-class cricket in another country will be great.

“A lot of other players don’t get the opportunity to do that, especially at my age, and I think it will greatly help my further development.

“I’m going to go there, and there are some high quality players playing for Yorkshire, some that have played Test cricket.

“Just to see the way they prepare and play, maybe some of the tactics, anything I can take back from there would be great.”

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