GLENN Maxwell will not be returning to Hampshire this year – after signing for Yorkshire.

Hampshire have signed Jackson Bird and Yasir Arafat as their T20 Blast overseas players so Maxwell has joined fellow Aussie Aaron Finch in signing for Yorkshire.

Finch returns for a second season at Headingley and will be available in all formats from the end of his Indian Premier League commitments, while Maxwell will only feature in the T20 Blast.

Maxwell, Australia's newly-crowned Twenty20 player of the year, has previously represented Hampshire and Surrey in English cricket.

He impressed in his first spell with Hampshire in 2012 but flopped badly with the bat last summer, averaging 11.3 from 11 innings.

He said: “I'm pumped and can't wait to play for Yorkshire. Yorkshire are one of biggest clubs in the world and to get the chance to play for them is an honour.

“I had two great spells with Hampshire and loved every minute.

“Heading to Yorkshire gives me a new challenge that I will relish.”

Yorkshire’s Australian first team coach, Jason Gillespie, added: “We're absolutely thrilled to bits to be able to secure the services of two very exciting players in world cricket.”