Nathan Lyon has signed a contract to play red-ball cricket for Hampshire in 2020.

The off-spinner – who has 363 Test wickets to his name and was part of the Australia squad that regained the Ashes in England earlier this year – will be the club’s overseas player in the County Championship.

Lyon has previously turned out in county cricket for Worcestershire, taking six wickets in four County Championship matches in 2017.

Hampshire have announced the signing of Nathan Lyon for next season's County Championship season.

An excellent signing. pic.twitter.com/6mJENbbWhs

— Wisden (@WisdenCricket) November 5, 2019

“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,” said Giles White, Hampshire’s director of cricket. “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.”

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

“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.”