Gloucestershire sign Australian fast bowler Bell

Gabe Bell has taken 16 wickets so far this season for Tasmania in five first-class matches

Gloucestershire have signed Australian fast bowler Gabe Bell for the first six matches of the 2026 County Championship campaign.

Born in Tasmania, the 30-year-old has played for his home state since 2017 in the Sheffield Shield, Australia's domestic first-class red-ball competition.

The tall right-armer is currently ninth on this season's Shield wicket-taking list with 16 in five matches.

In total, Bell has taken 192 first-class wickets for Tasmania in 51 Shield appearances.

His deal at Gloucestershire means he will be available to make his debut away at Lord's against Middlesex at the beginning of April before fixtures against Durham, Lancashire, Derbyshire, Kent and Northamptonshire.

"Obviously [I'm] thrilled to get the opportunity to come over and play some county cricket with Gloucestershire," Bell told the club website.

"I can't wait to get over to Bristol to meet everyone, and get started in the new year."

Bell will join Australian compatriot Cameron Bancroft at Gloucestershire next season after the latter signed a two-year deal to remain at the club until 2027.

Gloucestershire director of cricket Jon Lewis added: "We looked hard at what it takes to win in our own conditions in April and May and Gabe comes highly recommended from our network of contacts across Australia."