Lyon joins Hampshire for 2020

Hampshire have confirmed Australia off-spinner Nathan Lyon will join them as an overseas player for the 2020 season. The 31-year-old has put pen to paper on a red-ball only contract and will be ready for April’s early-season matches. Lyon helped Australia retain the Ashes this summer, taking 20 wickets across the five-Test series. He has previously played for Worcestshire in 2017 and Hampshire’s director of cricket Giles White says he cannot wait for him to link up with the squad. White told BBC Radio Solent: “We’re absolutely delighted with his signature and can’t wait to have him on board. “He’s got a real appetite to play county cricket and to be here. If you look at our bowling attack at the moment, the gap has maybe been taking wickets with spinners. “With a new groundsman in Simon Lee also joining the club, having worked at Somerset, it all seemed to fit to bring in a high-class spinner for red-ball cricket too. “Nathan’s addition makes for a well-balanced attack. In order to win County Championships, which we want to do, we need to take 20 wickets regularly.”