AUSTRALIA spinner Nathan Lyon has signed for Hampshire for the 2020 season.

The 31-year-old has penned a deal to become the club's overseas player for the County Championship.

Decorated right-armer Lyon has 91 Test caps to his name since debuting against Sri Lanka in 2011 and has gone on to claim 363 Test wickets to date, becoming just the sixth Australian to pass the 300 mark.

Only legendary duo Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath have taken more wickets for the nation in the long form of the game.

New South Wales-born Lyon was part of the successful Australia side which retained the Ashes in England this summer.

"It is a fabulous opportunity to be involved with a leading county who have had a long and successful relationship with Australian cricketers," said Lyon.

"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."

Hampshire 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. We're delighted to secure his signature."