Jason Gillespie played for Yorkshire last year

The 32-year-old has taken 259 wickets in 71 Tests, making him Australia's fifth highest wicket-taker.

He spent the last two summers at Yorkshire but left before the end of last season after being called up for the Australia A squad's Pakistan tour.

"I can't wait to get stuck in and help Glamorgan be as successful as they can be," said Gillespie.

"I'm really excited about heading to Cardiff and my family love the place too.

"I'm also aware of the massive changes the ground at Cardiff has undergone over the past year, which is really exciting."

Glamorgan director of cricket Matthew Maynard said: "Jason is a proven performer at international level and he is just the sort of experienced bowler we were looking for to spearhead our attack."

The capture of Gillespie ends Glamorgan's search for an overseas player after initially being linked with Pakistan pace bowler Rao Iftikhar Anjum.

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The Welsh county have already signed three players as they look to improve on last year's disastrous season which saw just one County Championship win, and no Pro40 victories.

Batsman Matthew Wood, 30, who played alongside Gillespie at Yorkshire, became the first close-season recruit after agreeing a two-year deal.

He was soon followed by left-arm seam bowler Adam Shantry, 24, from Warwickshire, who also signed a two-year deal.

And England all-rounder Jamie Dalrymple, 26, has agreed a three-year contract to play under Maynard at Sophia Gardens.

Despite the loss of England fast bowler Simon Jones to Worcestershire, Glamorgan have also been boosted by promising teenager James Harris committing himself to the county until 2011.

David Hemp will continue his role as captain this year.