Hampshire: Fidel Edwards to take up contract early

Fidel Edwards has taken 165 wickets in 55 Tests for West Indies

Hampshire have confirmed West Indies fast bowler Fidel Edwards will join the club earlier than first planned.

The 33-year old was due to arrive at the Ageas Bowl in time for the One-Day Cup match against Sussex on 27 July.

However, Edwards will now arrive for Hampshire's T20 friendly against Dorset on Monday, 4 May and will cover for injured Australia seamer Jackson Bird.

Bird, 28, had to pull out of his deal with the club after suffering a neck injury and will be out for some time.

Edwards took 165 wickets in 55 Test matches for West Indies and joins Hampshire on a Kolpak contract.

He last played for the West Indies in 2012, but has been with Barbados and Trinidad & Tobago Red Steel in domestic cricket.