English county Hampshire have signed Australia Twenty20 captain George Bailey as an overseas player for next season.

Bailey will join county ranks for the first time in a move that will enable the right-hander to play in English conditions during Australia’s Ashes tour.

The 30-year-old is not currently part of Australia’s Test team, meaning he should be available for the majority of the season when not on limited-overs duty.

“I’ve heard a lot of good reports about Hampshire as a county and am really looking forward to playing there next year,” said Bailey, who led Australia in his first-ever T20 international earlier this year.

“It’s my first time playing for a county and the talks with Giles White have been very positive.

“I can see the guys did very well last year, and knowing that I’m joining a side that has tasted a lot of success in recent times but wants to get even better is a real attraction.”

Hampshire have also re-signed South African Neil McKenzie for a fourth successive season.

“I’m very happy to be returning to Hampshire next year. I always enjoy my time playing county cricket and the family has found a home from home in Southampton,” McKenzie said.

“We did pretty well this year but promotion to LV= County Championship Division One is a priority and I’m sure we can do it.”