Zimbabwean Neil Johnson offered terms as Hampshire's overseas player for 2001.

Hampshire today announced that they have made an offer for Zimbabwean all rounder, Neil Johnson to play as their overseas player for the 2001 season.

Johnson who announced his retirement from International Cricket at the end of the Nat-West Triangular Series in England, has returned to South Africa to play for Western Province, where he started his career.

This attacking stylish left-hand opening batsman, with a sharpish medium pace when he bowles, could be a major assett to the club, when they start to play at their new ground on the outskirts of Southampton in April 2001.

Johnson has already played a season in England, when in 1997 he opened the batting for Leicestershire, although a back injury limited his bowling stints. He played in 13 Test matches for Zimbabwe and 48 One-Day Internationals.