Notts Outlaws hope to complete the signing of New Zealand all-rounder Chris Cairns in time for their opening Twenty20 Cup game against Yorkshire on Friday.

Cairns made his Notts debut as an 18 year old in 1988 and enjoyed a glittering Test career in which he scored 3,320 runs and took 218 test wickets.

Renowned for his big hits and intelligent bowling, Cairns is delighted to be re-joining a club for which he has a huge affinity.

“Notts have been part of my life for twenty years and I truly thought that I had played my last game for the club and I am pleased to have the chance to make a return,” said Cairns.

“I am a Notts member, I have always kept an eye on the results and there is no other club that I would have rather joined.

“It was a late decision and the registration could come down to the wire but I’m fit to play and I can’t wait to get started.

“The Twenty20 format suits my style because I like to entertain and I love winning cricket matches.”

The move remains subject to ECB approval and Notts hope to receive confirmation of completion on Thursday.