North heads south

Australian batsman Marcus North boasts an impressive first-class average of 44.23

Hampshire have secured the services of Australian batsman Marcus North for the first part of the 2009 domestic season.

North has previously played for Gloucestershire, Durham and Lancashire in county cricket and brings a wealth of experience.

The 29-year-old left-handed batsman and part-time off-spinner will join the squad for the start of the season in early April.

Hampshire chairman Rod Bransgrove said: “We are delighted to announce the signing of Marcus North for the first half of this season.

"He is a very talented and exciting cricketer who I know is relishing the opportunity to score some big runs for Hampshire and really entertain our fans along the way.”

North has scored 8,758 runs in first-class cricket at an average of 44.23, with a highest score of 239.

Hampshire supporters will also be able to look forward to Imran Tahir picking up where he left off last season.

The 27-year-old leg-spinner signed a two-year contract with Hampshire at the end of last season.

Tahir took 36 wickets at 17.25 in just six LV County Championship matches, and will return to the Rose Bowl in June.

Hampshire first XI team manager Giles White added: “Unfortunately it is not possible for Imran to be with us for the whole year, but in Marcus I feel we have a fantastic replacement for the early part of the season.

"He is proven in English conditions and his all-round package will complement the balance of the side in all formats of the game.”