Tahir to start season with Hants

Tahir took 44 wickets in seven Championship matches last season

Hampshire are close to securing a deal to bring back Pakistani leg-spinner Imran Tahir earlier than expected.

Tahir, who was originally due to arrive in June, will play in the first three Championship matches of the season.

Manager Giles White told BBC Radio Solent: "He has a contract with South African side Titans but we're working on that."

Batsman Marcus North, who was going to start the season, will play in May after Australia's tour of South Africa.

"Originally it was Marcus until 4 June and then Imran from then on," added White.

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"But Marcus was then selected for Australia in their one-day series against South Africa and then there's a trip to Dubai, although that squad hasn't been selected yet.

"We are seeking permission from Titans to have Imran early. They want him to rest. That's why we originally wanted Marcus.

"I'm hoping it will all work out over the next couple of days. I've found that this sort of stuff takes longer than you think."

If Tahir is cleared to play, he will be available to play in Hampshire's opening County Championship matches against Worcestershire, Warwickshire and Sussex.

He will also be around for the Friends Provident Trophy games against Worcestershire and Leicestershire.

North will then take over in May which will include the first half of the Twenty20 Cup, before Tahir returns to finish off the remainder of the season.