Hampshire manager Giles White says Marcus North will be used as an all-rounder by the county.

North has been signed as Hampshire’s overseas player for the first two months of the season while Imran Tahir recovers from his season with the Pretoria Titans in South Africa’s Supersport Series.

The 29-year-old is primarily a batsman who will be aiming for a prolific spell with Hampshire in the hope that it could help him force his way into Australia’s Ashes squad.

But White reckons North, who bowls off-spin, can also produce with the ball.

He said: “Marcus is a fantastic signing for Hampshire as a genuine all-rounder, not just for his batting.

Many people are surprised that North didn’t play for Australia this year as a replacement for Andrew Symonds – his off-spin is going to be very important for us and Marcus will work well with Liam Dawson.

“His experience as a phenomenal batsman and bowler is what we need.”

North has developed his off-breaks in recent seasons. In his last three seasons with Western Australia he has taken 29 first-class wickets at 34.37 apiece in the Pura Cup, including a career-best 13 so far this term.

But the left-hander will be especially useful with the bat and is likely to go in at four between John Crawley and Michael Lumb.

For full story see today's Daily Echo.