HAMPSHIRE have announced the signing of Australian bowler Nathan Ellis for the upcoming Vitality Blast season.

The 26-year-old fast bowler has had a profitable time with Hobart Hurricanes in the Big Bash League and becomes the Hawks’ second recruit from the franchise for 2022, following the signing of Ben McDermott in February.

Ellis made his T20 debut in 2018 before making his BBL entrance a year later. He has since made 39 appearances for the Hurricanes, taking 44 wickets at an average of 26.20.

In 2021, he was rewarded with a call-up to Australia’s IT20 squad for the series against Bangladesh where he became the first ever player to take a hat-trick on debut in an IT20.

Earlier this year, the Indian Premier League (IPL) side, Punjab Kings, purchased Ellis in the auction for the 2022 tournament. Most recently, he was selected in his country’s ODI squad for their tour of Pakistan – in which he played earlier this week.

Ellis said: “I’m excited to play in this summer’s Vitality Blast and for a team with the rich history of the Hawks. I have heard great things about The Ageas Bowl and the Hawks fans and am looking forward to a memorable summer in Hampshire.”