Sussex sign Steve Magoffin

Steve Magoffin has signed for Sussex as an overseas player for the early part of the 2012 season.

Magoffin, the 32-year-old Australian seamer who has previously enjoyed stints in county cricket with Leicestershire, Surrey and Worcestershire, will arrive in time for Sussex's second championship game of the season. He has taken 247 wickets at an average of 26.62 in his first-class career. He is also an improving batsman who will some steel to Sussex's lower order.

Sussex had signed swing bowler Tim Southee, but the New Zealander was forced to pull out of the deal.

Magoffin, who was recently part of the Queensland side that won the Sheffield Shield, was called up as cover to the Test team during the tour of South Africa in 2009 but has never played international cricket. He qualifies for a work permit through his marriage to a British woman.

"We had done a deal with Tim Southee," Sussex professional cricket manager Mark Robinson said. "But that got pulled out for medical reasons and just around the same time, we received notification that Steve may be available.

"We were moving very quickly to seal a deal which should be good for the club and the dressing room. He fits the bill of what we need in terms of how he bowls and him as a person."

"I am delighted to be heading to Sussex for the beginning of the county season," Magoffin said. "Sussex is one of the most successful county clubs in England in recent times, and it is an honour to be considered by them to be their overseas player.

"I have always enjoyed my time playing in the UK and my wife and I are very much looking forward to our time in Hove and meeting everyone from the club".

Sussex's Captain Michael Yardy said: "Steve has been a successful bowler throughout his career and we're very pleased that he'll be wearing a Sussex shirt this year.

"His experience and skills will complement our improving bowling attack in both one-day and four-day cricket".