Harris signs for Yorkshire with eye on Australia call

Queensland all-rounder Ryan Harris has signed for Yorkshire as the English county's overseas player for the 2010 season and sees it as a platform to secure another chance with Australia.

Harris made one one-day appearance for his country at the start of this year but his hopes of further international recognition were dashed by a foot injury.

"I've had a couple of injuries at the wrong times, but I still feel I'm good enough to get into the Australian side," he said.

"The desire is still there and if I come over to Yorkshire and perform well I can put my name up again in front of the selectors. Wanting to represent Australia is something that's definitely still there in my heart."

Harris has been signed on the strength of recommendations of former Australian Test batsman Darren Lehmann, who had a long association with Yorkshire as a player, and Australia's bowling coach Troy Cooley.

"When I got the call asking me if I wanted to go and play in Yorkshire I jumped at the chance," Harris added.

"When I was playing with Darren Lehmann he would come back to Adelaide and always talk about Yorkshire and he really enjoyed his time there and it will be great to get over and see where he is a very much-liked person. It?s good to be going to what sounds like a very passionate club."

Yorkshire intend to use Harris to help develop their younger bowlers.

"I've spoken to (director of cricket) Martyn Moxon about my role with the county and I do love the chance to speak to younger bowlers," Harris said.

"The average age of the bowling attack in a match Queensland are playing now is about 20 and I have that same role back home and it is something that I am definitely looking forward to doing when I get over there."

Moxon added: "Ryan comes highly recommended by a number of people in Australia for his all-round abilities. He is an opening bowler who is also useful with the bat and an outstanding fielder. He fits perfectly into our desire to build an energetic and vibrant team for the future."