North joins Hampshire early

Marcus North will join Hampshire early as an overseas replacement for the injured Imran Tahir after being overlooked for Australia's one-day series against Pakistan in Dubai.

Tahir broke his jaw during while playing for the Titans in the closing match of the South African domestic season last week. North had originally been set to join Hampshire for the opening stages of the season but his successful introduction into Test cricket against South Africa - where he hit a century on debut - meant Hampshire expected him to be absent.

"I am delighted that Marcus will be joining us so early on in the season," Giles White, the Hampshire manager said. "His attacking and dominant style of play with both bat and ball will fit in perfectly with the balance of the side, and I am sure his experience will prove invaluable to the club."

North's first game will be the Championship match against Warwickshire on April 22.