Jason Gillespie signs for Glamorgan

Jason Gillespie, the Australian fast bowler, has signed a one-year deal with Glamorgan for the 2008 season. Now 32, and with his international career all but behind him, Gillespie spent the past two English summers at Yorkshire but is looking forward to a new challenge.

"I'm really excited about heading to Cardiff and my family love the place too," Gillespie said. "I'm also aware of the massive changes the ground at Cardiff has undergone over the past year, which is really exciting. I can't wait to get stuck in and help Glamorgan be as successful as they can be in a new era under Matthew Maynard."

Maynard, the club's cricket manager, said: "Jason is a proven performer at international level, and he is just the sort of experienced bowler we were looking for to spearhead our attack. He will also be an important influence on some of the developing players in the dressing room.

"Jason has enjoyed plenty of success with the ball, as well as with the bat, and given his wealth of experience with Australia, he has plenty to offer us. I view his signing being very similar to that of Michael Kasprowicz a few years ago. I know Jason very well from my own time in international cricket. He's a top bloke and I know that he will fit in very well into our dressing room."

Glamorgan lost Simon Jones, the England fast bowler plagued by injury, to Worcestershire at the end of a dreadful season in which they finished bottom of the Championship's second division. Last week, Jones expressed his fears for Glamorgan's future in light of their commitment to redeveloping Sophia Gardens in preparation for hosting their first Ashes Test in 2009.

Due to the huge financial strain of rebuilding the ground, the club's policy was not to employ an overseas player - though this was eventually underwritten by a sponsor to sign Jimmy Maher. He finished the season with 252 runs at 16.80.