Donovan Ferreira hoping he can be the missing link as Yorkshire sign young South African all-rounder for the T20 Blast

Ferreira, 25, has three strings to his bow in that he can bat, bowl and also keep wicket – although presumably not all at the same time.

He is part of the Rajasthan Royals squad for the forthcoming Indian Premier League where his team-mates will include Tom Kohler-Cadmore, the former Yorkshire batsman.

“I am delighted to have signed with Yorkshire for the T20 Blast,” said Ferreira in a statement.

“I’m really looking forward to joining up with Yorkshire at Headingley and having an impact for the side. Headingley is an iconic and special place to play, and I’m excited to be part of such a prestigious club.”

Ferreira, inset, who hails from Pretoria, has played two T20 internationals – against Australia and India towards the end of last year.

He recently hit the headlines for making the second-fastest fifty in the new SAT20 competition, reaching the landmark from just 18 deliveries for the Joburg Super Kings against the Pretoria Capitals.

Batting at No 6, the powerful Ferreira plundered 56 from 20 deliveries with seven fours and three sixes.

Yorkshire have never won the T20 tournament, now in its 21st year and their record is among the poorest of the 18 first-class counties in the game’s shortest format.

They have tried numerous overseas signings in an effort to buck that trend and although there are no guarantees in such an unpredictable format of the game, where the margins are tighter than a Yorkshireman’s wallet, the club believe that he has what it takes.

Darren Gough, the Yorkshire managing director of cricket, said: “I’m pleased to have secured Donovan for the T20 Blast.

“He is an exciting addition to the team, and his all-round abilities and consistent performances in various international franchise leagues are indicators that he has a significant career ahead in cricket.

“We hope he will play a big part in Yorkshire’s T20 campaign, and we are looking forward to welcoming him to Headingley.”

Ferreira has played 51 T20 career games, scoring four half-centuries with a best of 82 not out. He has also taken 10 T20 wickets with his off-spin.

Ferreira has only played 11 first-class matches but has two centuries to his name, with a best of 125, to go with 25 first-class wickets.

Ferreira is set to make his debut in Yorkshire’s opening T20 match against Worcestershire Rapids at Headingley on Thursday, May 30.

Yorkshire open up with three games in four days, taking on Leicestershire Foxes at Grace Road 24 hours later and then Northamptonshire Steelbacks at Wantage Road on June 2.

That latter fixture is part of a double-header with the Northern Diamonds women’s side, who face Sunrisers in the extended Charlotte Edwards Cup.

The Diamonds begin their campaign in that competition on May 19 against Lancashire Thunder.