HAMPSHIRE have been rocked by the news that Imran Tahir will not be available for the start of the season after suffering a fractured jaw in his last game of the South African domestic season.

The leg-spinner was struck by a bouncer against the Lions in Johannesburg on Saturday as the Titans gained the draw that secured them the Supersport Series title, South Africa's equivalent of the County Championship.

Hampshire manager Giles White confirmed: "We're actively seeking a replacement overseas player for the first three weeks of the season".

Australia batsman Marcus North is scheduled to play for Hampshire in May but Tahir is also due to play for the county for the last four months the season - fitness permitting.