Glamorgan have signed English batsman Charlie Hemphrey from Australian side Queensland Bulls on a two-year deal.

Hemphrey, 29, played second team cricket for Kent, Essex and Derbyshire before emigrating to Brisbane where he became a regular in the Queensland batting line-up and played an important role in the side winning the Sheffield Shield last year.

He averages over 33 with the bat in First-Class cricket and has struck four centuries, including a career-best 118.

Hemphrey, said: “It’s always been my ambition to play First-Class cricket in the UK so I am very thankful to Glamorgan for giving me this opportunity.

“With the changes in the cricket department it’s a very exciting time to join the club. Hopefully I can continue to put in some good performances for Queensland and bring that form to Glamorgan this season.”

Glamorgan chief executive Hugh Morris, said: “Charlie is a very good cricketer who has blossomed in the past few years since playing in Australia.

“He has scored runs in challenging batting conditions against some very good bowling attacks so will add valuable experience and skill at the top of the order.

“With his signing and that of Billy Root, we now have competition for places within the batting line-up, which will only help the development of our young pathway players.”