Peter Handscomb: Gloucestershire sign Australia-born batsman

Batsman Peter Handscomb can also play as a wicketkeeper

Gloucestershire have signed Australia-born batsman Peter Handscomb for all competitions during the 2015 season.

The 23-year-old was born in Melbourne but also holds a British passport through his English parents.

He hit 103 not out off 64 balls for the Melbourne Stars against Perth Scorchers in this winter's Big Bash League.

"It has always been an ambition of mine to play county cricket. I was delighted when Gloucestershire expressed an interest," he told the club website.

Peter Handscomb (left) played alongside Kevin Pietersen for Melbourne Stars in the Big Bash League

"I have heard good things about the players at Nevil Road and I am looking forward to meeting up with them in April."

Fellow-Australian Michael Klinger, the only other player to score a century in the 2014-2015 Big Bash, has already signed for Gloucestershire for 2015.

Former Australia Under-19 international Handscomb has a batting average of 34.56 from 32 first-class matches.

Gloucestershire head coach Richard Dawson added: "It is brilliant for the club to get Peter for the season.

"He's coming off the back of an exceptional season with Victoria in the Sheffield Shield and also in the Big Bash League where he made headlines with his hundred for the Melbourne Stars.

"He is a young, exciting player who is highly rated in Australia. The people I have spoken to have all given me very positive feedback on him as a player and as a bloke.

"He will bring positive competition for the batting spots and new ideas from his experiences in Australia."