Northern Knights captain James Marshall reunites with his twin brother Hamish after the latter signed for the Knights.

Hamish Marshall, who played for Northern Districts between 1998 and 2007, joined English county side Gloucestershire last year, playing on an Irish visa.

He is currently playing in the rebel Indian Cricket League for the Bengal Tigers.

"It will be good to get back and play with the lads once again and obviously James too," the 29-year-old former New Zealand batsman said.

"I will be interested to see if, as captain, he lets me bowl and bat before him now!"

Marshall, who played 13 Tests, 66 one-day internationals and three Twenty20 matches between 2000 and 2007, is expected to join the Knights around December 18 and play in the all three domestic competitions - State Shield (one-day), State Twenty20 and State Championship (four-day).

Northern Districts chief executive David Cooper said: "Hamish returning was just a natural fit for us and obviously adds significantly to our batting strength."

Last year England batsman Andrew Strauss had a brief stint with the Knights before linking up with the touring English side.