HAMPSHIRE have announced the signing of Australia batsman D’Arcy Short for this summer’s Vitality Blast.

The 30-year-old, who has played eight one-day internationals and 23 Twenty20s for his country, will be available for the whole of the Hawks’ campaign.

A hard-hitting left-hander and effective left-arm wrist spinner, Short has an exceptional T20 record.

He has scored 3,991 runs at an average of 35.31 in 123 innings and 48 wickets at 30 apiece across both international and domestic fixtures.

Short has been integral to Hobart Hurricanes success in his home nation’s Big Bash League and has also impressed during stints for Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League and St Lucia Stars in the Caribbean Premier League.

Short said: “I am so excited to join a club with as much history as Hampshire Hawks.

“I can’t wait to get to the Ageas Bowl and hopefully we can have a strong season and win our first title since 2012.”

Hampshire director of cricket Giles White said: “We are delighted to secure the signing of D’Arcy for this summer’s Vitality Blast competition.

“He is a high-class performer who has consistently shown his ability to score a high volume of runs at the top of the order, both for Australia and in a number of the world’s best T20 competitions.

“Alongside his skill with the bat, he also gives us another spin bowling option with the ball so we’re excited about what he brings to the side and are looking forward to having him with us.”