North scored a century on his Australian test debut

Hampshire have confirmed Australian Test batsman Marcus North as their overseas player until June.

The 29-year-old became available after his omission from the Australian one-day squad to play Pakistan.

Hampshire team manager Giles White is delighted that North will be joining so early in the season.

"His attacking and dominant style of play with both bat and ball will fit in perfectly with the balance of the side," White said.

In February, North scored a century on his Test debut for Australia against South Africa - a feat only 18 Australians have achieved, at an average of once every seven years.

The left-handed batsman had spent 10 years waiting in first-class cricket for his opportunity at the highest level.

I am sure his experience will prove invaluable to the club Hampshire team manager Giles White

A strong end to the season also saw the Western Australian player named captain of the Australian Cricketers' Association's Sheffield Shield and FR Cup teams of the year.

White is hoping that North will continue his impressive form at the Rose Bowl.

"I am sure his experience will prove invaluable to the club," he said.

North will make his first appearance for his new club when Hampshire face Warwickshire in the County Championship First Division at Edgbaston on 22 April.

His arrival will help fill the void left by an injury to Hampshire's other overseas signing, Pakistani leg-spinner Imran Tahir, who broke his jaw playing his final game for South African domestic side Titans.

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