India batsman Cheteshwar Pujara will join Nottinghamshire later this month to provide short-term cover for Australian fast bowler James Pattinson.
Ahead of Pattinson linking up with Australia for the Champions Trophy, Nottinghamshire have opted against bringing in a like-for-like replacement and instead swooped for Pujara for four Specsavers County Championship matches.
Pujara, who averages 51.32 after 48 Tests, is set to join Nottinghamshire in mid-May and will feature in two games against Gloucestershire, and one each versus Glamorgan and Derbyshire - one of his former counties.
Nottinghamshire director of cricket Mick Newell said: "We have looked around the world to find the right player.
"The most important thing was to sign someone with the quality to make us better, rather than limiting our options by saying it had to be a bowler.
"We have depth in our squad with regards bowling and - particularly as we'll be without Alex Hales (who will be with England during the Champions Trophy, running from June 1-18) - we're more than happy to welcome a world-class batsman to the club."
Pujara, predominantly a Test specialist with India, has registered 483 runs at 54 for Derbyshire and Yorkshire in his previous forays into county cricket.
The 29-year-old said: "I'm ready for it. I'm already working on my skills and preparing for competitive cricket. I love playing county cricket and Trent Bridge is a great venue. I'm really looking forward to my first experience there as a home player."
