HAMPSHIRE Cricket has announced the signing of South African fast bowler Dale Steyn.

The 34-year-old paceman will join the club in June and will train at the Ageas Bowl ahead of South Africa’s tour of Sri Lanka in July.

He could then return as Hampshire’s overseas player following his international commitments for the final weeks of the 2018 season.

During his training programme on the south coast, Steyn will also fill in for South African counterpart Hashim Amla, who joins the county for the first three months of the season, for a 50-over fixture against Somerset and a County Championship contest against Surrey in June.

Hampshire director of cricket Giles White said: “Dale is one of the best bowlers in the world and is extremely motivated to get going after a frustrating period on the sidelines.

"It seems a great fit for both parties – we hope that we can help him get back to his best and we look forward to welcoming him to Hampshire.”

Steyn has enjoyed an illustrious international career since making his debut against England in 2004, claiming 419 Test wickets – just two behind Shaun Pollock’s South African record – including no fewer than 26 five-wicket hauls at an average of just 22.32 in 86 matches.

One of Wisden’s Cricketers of the Year in 2013, the seamer has also been a crucial performer for South Africa in limited-overs contests, taking 238 wickets at an average of fewer than 24, while leading the attack at multiple World Cup campaigns.