The 29-year-old left-arm spinner will join the club early in May, after countryman Lance Klusener has acted as overseas man for the first three weeks of the season.

Notts had already signed Klusener to cover for Cairns' international commitments, before learning that the Kiwi all-rounder would be forced to undergo knee surgery.

"It came as quite a surprise when I got the call from Clive Rice asking if I would like to play for Notts this summer," said Boje.

"But it's always been a dream of mine to play county cricket in England and I was not going to let this opportunity pass me by.

"I'm honoured to be asked and now I'm going to give it my best shot and hopefully help Notts to have a very successful season."

Lower order bat

South Africa's United Cricket Board (UCB) gave their permission for Boje, who is under their 12-month contract, to make the move after assessing reports on the condition of his knee.

A useful lower order bat at international level, Boje has played 19 Tests for South Africa, taking 49 wickets at 29.63 with best figures of five for 52.

He has a highest score of 85 in the Test arena and 129 in one-day internationals, where he is renowned as a hard hitter and a miserly container of batsmen.

In 72 one-day matches, Boje has a strike rate of 86.35, which has brought him two centuries and two fifties and he is in the squad currently playing a seven-match series against Australia.

"In Boje we have a player who is really keen to develop his game by coming to England to play county cricket," said Nottinghamshire cricket manager Clive Rice.

"He is an excellent spin bowler who has made Test 50s and is also a very fine one-day player.

"He will therefore be able to fill a lot of roles and bring considerable experience and depth to our spin department."