Hampshire bring in Yusuf as Seales replacement

South Africa quick signed at short notice for opening block of Championship fixtures

Hampshire have signed South Africa seamer Codi Yusuf for the opening block of County Championship fixtures. Yusuf comes in for Jayden Seales, who was denied a No-Objection Certificate by his home board.

Yusuf, 27, has played two Tests and one ODI for South Africa, as well as featuring across formats for Durham during a spell in county cricket last season. In first-class cricket, he has taken 131 wickets at 28.22.

He will link up at Hampshire with new head coach, Russell Domingo, who remains in charge at Yusuf's domestic franchise, Lions. Yusuf also plays for Pretoria Capitals - owned by Hampshire's majority shareholder, GMR group - in the SA20.RelatedJames Harris retires from professional cricket after 19-year career

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"Naturally, it is disappointing not to have Jayden with us, but we are pleased to have secured an excellent replacement in Codi Yusuf," Giles White, Hampshire's director of cricket, said. "Codi, who plays for the Lions, comes highly recommended by Russell and brings valuable international experience, as well as familiarity with English conditions following his spell with Durham last season.

"The past couple of weeks have been frustrating as we have had to adjust our plans at short notice, but we are delighted to welcome Codi and look forward to his arrival."

Hampshire had initially hoped to bring in West Indies seamer Seales after losing out on the services of Michael Neser, whose spell was cancelled at the direction of Cricket Australia after he returned to its list of centrally contracted players.