Hampshire sign Australia quick Nathan Ellis for T20 Blast

Hampshire have announced the signing of Nathan Ellis, the Australia fast bowler, as one of their overseas players for this year's Vitality Blast.

Ellis, 26, has been capped twice in ODIs and twice in T20Is, and took a hat-trick on international debut against Bangladesh last year. He is currently involved with Australia on their tour of Pakistan and is set to take part in the upcoming IPL with Kings XI Punjab.

He will join fellow Australian Ben McDermott in Hampshire's squad for the Blast.

"We are excited that Nathan is joining us for this summer's Vitality Blast," Hampshire's director of cricket, Giles White, said. "He comes to us with a growing reputation as a death bowler and we look forward to seeing him in the Hawks yellow in May."

Ellis has taken 50 T20 wickets in 44 matches with an economy of 8.06. He came to attention with his performances in the Big Bash League for Hobart Hurricanes, winning his first Australia call-up for the tours of the Caribbean and Bangladesh.

The right-arm seamer subsequently won an IPL contract for the second half of the 2021 tournament, and was also a travelling reserve for Australia's victorious T20 World Cup campaign.

"I'm excited to play in this summer's Vitality Blast and for a team with the rich history of the Hawks," Ellis said. "I have heard great things about the Ageas Bowl and the Hawks fans and am looking forward to a memorable summer in Hampshire."