Phil Jaques is to retire from Australian first-class cricket at the conclusion of the 2011/12 Australian domestic season. Yorkshire had signed the 32-year-old as an overseas player for the 2012 and 2013 seasons, but are now waiting on clarification from the England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) as to his registration status with the Club.

Whether Phil will be permitted to play for Yorkshire as a local player with a British passport, or as a Kolpak, is complicated by a previous stint at Northamptonshire as a Kolpak player when he subsequently played for the Australian national team.

None of the above prejudices Phil's contract with Yorkshire and as soon as the situation is clearer the Club will make a further announcement.

JAMES BUTTLER