Ryan McLaren: Hampshire sign all-rounder to replace Jackson Bird

Ryan McLaren has played two Tests for South Africa

Hampshire have signed South Africa all-rounder Ryan McLaren for the final month of the Championship season.

The 32-year old will replace departing fast bowler Jackson Bird and could make his debut in the match at Durham, which starts on 1 September.

Bird will leave the Ageas Bowl after the match with Warwickshire to prepare for the Australian domestic season.

"It is an important time and he is a player we know well," Hampshire coach Giles White told BBC Radio Solent.

"We have been looking for someone because we realised Jackson had to go back to Tasmania in September.

"Ryan is an all-rounder and an exciting cricketer. He has four games to help us avoid relegation and hopefully he can have an influence."

McLaren has played two Tests, 54 one-day internationals and 12 T20 internationals for South Africa and has previously had spells in England with Kent and Middlesex.

Bird, 28, has been affected by injury during his stint with Hampshire, but he took 17 wickets in five Championship matches prior to the current match with Warwickshire.