Hampshire have signed Australian all-rounder Marcus North to share the workload of their overseas player Imran Tahir during the next English season.
North, 29, who, has played for four other counties, will join up with the southern county at the start of the 2009 season.
Pakistani leg-spinner Tahir took 36 wickets in six County Championship matches in 2008, to help transform Rose Bowl-based Hampshire from relegation candidates to First Division title contenders.
He will take over from Western Australia's North in June.
"Unfortunately it is not possible for Imran to be with us for the whole year, but in Marcus I feel we have a fantastic replacement for the early part of the season," said Hampshire team manager Giles White.
"He is proven in English conditions, and his all-round package will complement the balance of the side in all formats of the game."
