ANDREW Gale says Yorkshire were surprised and frustrated to learn of Travis Head's call-up by Australia A, ruling him out of this summer's NatWest T20 Blast.

Head was due to be available for the Vikings as one of their two overseas players for the entire competition from July 7 to September 2.

But Cricket Australia revealed that the explosive left-handed batsman would be needed for a tour to South Africa instead, where he will captain their one-day side.

Yorkshire will now assess their options for a replacement to join Head's compatriot Peter Handscomb, who is currently with the county and remains available.

Yet coach Gale says it is not definite that they will add to their squad.

"We were under the impression that Travis wouldn't get picked for that Australia A trip," said Gale.

"It's frustrating but that's what you get when you sign players in this modern era. It's back to the drawing board.

"We have to weigh up our options as to whether we bring another overseas in or back our own. That's something we need to look at. We'll have to see what's out there and make a decision."

Handscomb posted his second Yorkshire century as they drew their Specsavers County Championship match against Roses rivals Lancashire at Emirates Old Trafford on Monday.

He hit a brilliant 101 not out off 77 balls in the second innings to add to the 140 he scored in the Royal London Cup one-day win over Derbyshire at Headingley earlier this month.

In all, he has scored two hundreds and three fifties in 12 appearances across both one-day and four-day cricket since joining Yorkshire at the start of the season.

Handscomb has earned high praise from Headingley coach Gale, who said: "Peter's an unbelievable player who has settled in well. He's one of the best players of spin bowling I've ever seen.

"He's got an aggressive mindset against spin and we've seen that right throughout the season. As soon as the spinners have come on, he's looked to score off them. He's a fantastic player."

Yorkshire's opening T20 Blast match is against Nottinghamshire Outlaws under lights at Headingley on Friday, July 7.