Nannes joins Glamorgan for T20

Dirk Nannes, the Australian left-arm fast bowler, has signed for Glamorgan as an overseas player in this year's Friends Life t20 competition.

Nannes is the world's leading wicket-taker in Twenty20 and Matthew Mott, the head of elite performance at Glamorgan, has hailed the signing as "gold dust" for the county.

"He was on the radar for a number of clubs and we are very happy to have secured his signature," Mott said. "We were looking for a strike and death bowler because they are like gold dust in T20 cricket. He is still one of the fastest bowlers in world cricket, and I am sure he will excite the public when he comes tearing in for Glamorgan."

Nannes has emerged as the archetypal freelance T20 specialist over the last couple of years. Now aged 36, he has given up first-class and List A cricket in order to specialise and extend his T20 career. He has already represented Middlesex (2008), Nottinghamshire (2010) and Surrey (2011-12) in the county game.

But he stands out as one of he few cricketers to regularly appear in nearly all of the T20 tournaments around the world. In the last 12 months he has appeared in the Bangladesh Premier League (for Sylhet Royals), the Big Bash League (for Sydney Thunder), New Zealand's HRV Cup (for Canterbury), the Sri Lanka Premier League (for Basnahira Cricket Dundee) and in the Champions League (for Lions). He also had an IPL deal with Bangalore but didn't play a match.

"Dirk is vastly experienced in this format and a proven performer," Mott said. "With his experience of the competitions across the world, he will also provide a great deal of firepower and intimidation to our bowling unit.

"Dirk has also expressed he would love to be involved with the club and utilise our facilities throughout the year. This will be invaluable for our bowling group to be able to tap into his vast experience and see how he prepares."

Nannes added: "I've enjoyed spells in county cricket and around the world," Nannes said. "I am looking forward to coming over and playing for Glamorgan this summer. I'd like to think I can share my experience with the lads and be someone who can take crucial wickets for the team."