Nottinghamshire: Batsman Phil Jaques to return in 2015

Former Australian Test batsman Phil Jaques has scored both of his centuries this season against Somerset.

Batsman Phil Jaques will rejoin Nottinghamshire on a short-term deal for the early stages of next season.

The 35-year-old Australian, who scored 113 in the first innings of their ongoing match against Somerset, will again provide cover for Alex Hales, who is expected to play in next year's Indian Premier League.

He has scored four half-centuries and two hundreds already this term.

Jaques' current deal ends after Notts' match against Warwickshire on 29 June.

"We expect Alex Hales to have another shot at the IPL auction and having Phil around will cover his absence, or we may even see them on the same team-sheet given recent form," Notts director of cricket Mick Newell told the club website.

"He'll be here for a similar period of time next season and we hope he can have a similar impact."

Coaching commitments back home in Australia prevent the former Yorkshire and Test left-hander from committing to an entire season with the Trent Bridge club.

Meanwhile, Notts expect fast bowler Andrew Carter to return to full fitness for the start of the 2015 season after suffering another stress fracture in his back.

It is the recurrence of the injury which kept him out during 2013 campaign and will require surgery.

"I always want to play as much as I can. I've been managing pain in my back for a while now and strangely it felt the best it had for a long time just before the injury occurred," said Carter.

"I don't want to look too far ahead at the moment but I want to have the operation and begin my rehabilitation as soon as I can."