Hampshire have strengthened their batting resources by signing veteran South African Hashim Amla as an overseas player for the first three months of the season.
Former Proteas captain Amla brings a wealth of experience to the Ageas Bowl, with an average of 49.08 after 113 Tests and 50.23 in 164 one-day internationals.
The 34-year-old former Essex, Nottinghamshire, Surrey and Derbyshire batsman will be available to feature in both the Specsavers County Championship and Royal London One-Day Cup.
Hampshire's director of cricket Giles White said: "Hashim is an exciting acquisition for us and we feel he'll be an excellent fit within the group we've got, both on and off the pitch.
"He's a world-class player and this addition adds strength and depth to our batting for the first three months of the season - runs on the board are important and hopefully this will help us achieve that consistently in both the four-day and 50-over competitions."
Amla will link up with fellow South Africans Kyle Abbott and Rilee Rossouw, both of whom quit international duty just over a year ago to sign Kolpak deals with Hampshire.
"I am really pleased to be joining a club like Hampshire. Everyone I have spoken to, who have either played or are currently playing there, have only had good things to say about the team," Amla added.
"I look forward to spending the first three months of the season with them, which works out well for me to be able to get some high-quality cricket in before the Proteas tour to Sri Lanka in July."
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