 | ERVINE'S RECORD Tests: 5
261 runs, average 32, highest score 86, nine wickets ODIs: 42
698 runs, average 25, highest score 100, 41 wickets |
Hampshire are monitoring the current crisis in Zimbabwe cricket with a view to signing all-rounder Sean Ervine. The 21-year-old has retired from international cricket as a result of the dispute and flown to Australia.
But Hampshire's Director of Cricket Tim Tremlett told BBC Sport Ervine has Irish ancestry and was interested in playing county cricket.
"It certainly wouldn't be this year. We would be looking at Sean hopefully coming over from 2005 onwards."
Ervine is one of 15 so-called rebels in dispute with the Zimbabwe Cricket Union, but he is the only one so far to confirm he no longer wishes to play international cricket for his native country.
The group also includes former Zimbabwe captain Heath Streak, who had a season with Hampshire in 1995.
Ervine made his senior international debut at the age of 19 when England played a one-day series in 2001, and last year played his first Test against the same opponents at Lord's.
Former Zimbabwe all-rounder Guy Whittall has described him as a "serious talent" and he would certainly add to the strength of the Hampshire squad.
"He knows [first XI manager] Paul Terry and they've discussed the future possibility of him coming over here," said Tremlett.
"I think he has a grandparent from Ireland, but he would still have to be given special dispensation by the ECB to qualify as a non-overseas player."
MMIX
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