Tino Best bails out injury-hit Hampshire

Former West Indies fast-bowler Tino Best has joined Hampshire on a short-term deal.

Best, who has played 25 Tests and 26 ODIs for the West Indies, joins the club as a Kolpak player on a short-term contract. Best, 34, has a wealth of experience in all formats and he averages 28 with the ball in 115 first-class matches and Hampshire's director of cricket Giles White challenged him to match the exploits of Fidel Edwards in straitened circumstances last summer.

His latest headlines, though, have come not from fast bowling but from his impending autobiography and his claims of an immense sexual proclivity.

White said: "Fidel joined us last year under similar circumstances, he never looked back and this is a chance for Tino to emulate him. He trained with us in Barbados during pre-season and looked good. It has come about at short notice, initially on a short term contract. He seems excited about the opportunity and very motivated to do well; we look forward to seeing how things develop."

Hampshire's current injury crisis includes fast-bowler Fidel Edwards, who suffered a fractured ankle at Headingley last week whilst fellow seamers Reece Topley, Gareth Berg and Ryan Stevenson are all currently not available for selection due to injury.

White continued: "Unfortunately Fidel has had a serious break and will have to undergo surgery on Tuesday. It's a real shame for him, he has been unbelievable since he has been with us and has become an extremely popular member of the club. We will support him through his recovery and look forward to having him back in a Hampshire shirt as soon as possible. He is a class act and the team will miss him."

Hampshire signed Craig Young, the Ireland seamer, on a short-term deal last week.