Yorkshire confirm return of New Zealand batsman Kane Williamson

New Zealand batsman Kane Williamson will return to Yorkshire for a six-week spell in the new season.

Williamson has enjoyed two previous spells at Headingley and will play for the county again from June 9 to July 18, Yorkshire announced.

He will join England's Joe Root in the Yorkshire ranks, with the pair currently sharing second place in the ICC Test batting rankings.

The 25-year-old scored 2,633 runs in 2015 for New Zealand, including eight centuries, making him the heaviest scoring batsman of the year in internationals.

Williamson said: "I am very excited to be heading back to Yorkshire.

"I have certainly enjoyed my first two stints there and I am looking forward to joining the team for a third term this summer. To be fortunate to play for Yorkshire, a great set-up with a top bunch of people, can only help me improve and enhance my game."

Yorkshire coach Jason Gillespie told the team's website: "We are delighted to welcome Kane back to Headingley. He is a quality player and person. The opportunity to secure one of, if not the best players in the world is one you have to take up.

"His value as a player is beyond question. His attitude, work ethic and leadership as an overseas player is brilliant. We can't wait to welcome Kane back to his second home at our great club."

Williamson, captain of New Zealand's limited-overs side, will be available to play in three County Championship matches, eight NatWest T20 Blast games and three Royal London One-Day Cup matches.