Australia spinner Nathan Lyon joins Hampshire as 2020 overseas player

The 31-year-old is bound for the County Championship after signing for the Ageas Bowl club for next season

Hampshire have captured the signing of Australia spinner Nathan Lyon for the 2020 County Championship season.

The 31-year-old, who had a spell with Worcestershire in 2017, has taken 363 wickets in 91 Tests.

That haul includes the 20 scalps which helped Australia retain the Ashes in the summer following a 2-2 series draw with England.

Bar his country's white-ball tour of England in July, Lyon is likely to be available for much of Hants' 14 games next term - having been left undrafted for The Hundred - as they look to build on last season's third-place finish.

"I very much look forward to playing with Hampshire in next year’s County Championship," he said. "It is a fabulous opportunity to be involved with a leading county who have had a long and successful relationship with Australian cricketers.

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"I love playing cricket in England and no doubt will enjoy the 2020 summer with the Hampshire players, coaches, members and supporters. We will all be focused on winning the County Championship in 2020 - I can’t wait."

Director of cricket Giles White added: "Nathan is a really high-class spinner and we identified him in the summer as someone who would be a great addition to our Championship side. 

"He has a real appetite for county cricket and is keen to be a part of what we’re trying to do here, so we’re delighted to secure his signature and we can’t wait to have him on board next summer."