Powell joins Hampshire

Daren Powell will strengthen Hampshire's bowling attack

Hampshire have signed West Indies fast bowler Daren Powell subject to ratification by the West Indies Cricket Board.

The 29-year-old has played first-class cricket for Jamaica and Gauteng in South Africa. He began his career playing as a number three batsman, but developed into a right-arm fast medium bowler.

After taking nine wickets at 27.55 in the West Indies one-day international series against India in 2006/2007, he was selected for the 2007 World Cup squad and produced solid performances in a losing cause. He was also a valuable member of the squad which toured England earlier this summer.

Powell will join the Hampshire squad at the weekend following the conclusion of the West Indies one-day match against Scotland in Dublin currently taking place.

Powell will strengthen Hampshire’s bowling attack in the LV County Championship and forthcoming NatWest Pro40, particularly in light of the announcement that Dimitri Mascarenhas and Chris Tremlett are called up to join Kevin Pietersen in the provisional England squad for the ICC World Twenty20.

Team manager Paul Terry commented on Powell’s arrival at Hampshire, saying: “We are delighted to sign an international bowler who’s shown some great qualities in the West Indies tour.

“He’ll add depth and extra firepower to the squad. He’s keen, enthusiastic and willing to come and learn from county cricket, so hopefully it’s set for a win-win situation.”