Nic Pothas knows he has taken a big step by signing for Hampshire, so big, in fact, that he knows he can never go back.

The South African used a back-door method into English cricket to join a county who already have Zimbabwean all-rounder Neil Johnson registered as their overseas player this season.

Pothas used his parentage to obtain a Greek passport, and thereby become eligible to play as an EU citizen.

And now, having played three one-day internationals for South Africa, the 28-year-old is hoping that an international future with England could still be on the cards.

"I understand there will be criticism and I'm aware of what some people might say, but it doesn't bother me. Most of the criticism comes from those outside the game," he said.

"You come down to the argument of whether overseas players are good for the game or not, and I think that most people will agree that down the years, English cricket has benefitted from the overseas players that have played."

Closed shop

Although the circumstances are different, Pothas' path is one that has been followed by a number of others, including Hampshire captain Robin Smith.

"Other South Africans like Robin and Allan Lamb have been prepared to come over here, throw their lot in with England and serve a qualification period."

England's shortage of good wicket-keeper/batsmen is one reason why Pothas has joined Hampshire, although he accepts a second chance in international cricket is a long-term objective.

"It was pretty much a closed shop in South Africa. I have played one-day internationals for South Africa, but I knew I wasn't going to get into the Test set-up.

Initially he will keep wicket in one-day games, thereby freeing up Derek Kenway, who did the job last season, to focus on his batting.

In the Championship, Pothas will play as a top middle-order batsman, with Adrian Aymes likely to wear the gauntlets.

"I have always tried to ensure that I am good enough to be selected in either role - to make my wicket-keeping good enough so that it stands alone, but also to make sure that I am good enough to be picked solely on my batting.

"I don't do either role part-time, I want to make sure both are good enough on their own merits."

Hampshire are the first county to float on the stock exchange and the signing of former Lancashire and England batsman John Crawley indicates a desire not just to consolidate, but to win trophies.

They are a club burning with ambition and looking to join cricket's elite counties - and that suits Pothas to a tee.

"I like to think that I'm a fighting, competitive cricketer, and I hope that rubs off on my teammates."