Nottinghamshire have completed the signing of Australian batsman Phil Jaques to bolster the batting in the opening weeks of the LV= County Championship season.

Jaques will remain at Trent Bridge until mid-June to deputise during the anticipated absence of Alex Hales who has been granted permission to seek an Indian Premier League Contract.

Last season, Jaques scored 770 runs in 14 matches to help Yorkshire claim second place in the LV= County Championship. 

“I’ve spoken to Australian players who have played for Nottinghamshire and they all speak very highly of the setup, the people and the ground,” - Phil Jaques.

“Phil has scored runs consistently for Yorkshire over the past couple of seasons and he is highly regarded within the game for his ability and for his character,” said Nottinghamshire Director of Cricket Mick Newell.

“This deal was on the cards when we granted permission for Alex to seek an IPL deal and it fits nicely with Phil’s desire to play county cricket next season.” 

Jaques, who holds a British passport, has retired from first class cricket in Australia but continues to play and coach at grade level in Sydney. He will arrive in Nottinghamshire on Tuesday 1 April to finalise his preparations for the season. 

“I’ve spoken to a few of the Australian players who have played for Nottinghamshire and they all speak very highly of the setup, the people and the ground,” said Jaques, 34.

“I’ve got good memories of playing at Trent Bridge and I enjoy the proximity to the crowd and the atmosphere created by walking through the members on the Pavilion steps.

“A short-term deal fits nicely for me with having a young family and I look forward to making a contribution.”

An 11-time Test opener with an average of 47.47, Jaques will take a keen interest in the forthcoming Ashes series which he predicts will be closely contested.

“I’m looking forward to a very tight series and I hope that Australia can get an early advantage on bouncy wickets which the English players won’t be used to,” said Jaques.

“The last series in England was closely contested and there is less between the two sides than most people think so it will be a close battle.”