SOUTH African spin-bowling all-rounder Bjorn Fortuin has joined Hampshire Hawks to play three matches, the Utilita Bowl club have confirmed.

The 30 year old will be available from June 5-8 and joins the Hawks after Liam Dawson’s call-up to England Men’s IT20 squad to face West Indies, which runs from June 6-10.

Fortuin joins fellow countrymen Dewald Brevis and Lhuan-dre Pretorius to play for Hawks Men this summer, whilst Hawks Women have enlisted Australian all-rounders Charli Knott and Ellyse Perry, with the latter being available from July.

Upon joining Hampshire Hawks, Fortuin said: “I’m really pleased to be joining Hampshire Hawks for this year’s Blast.

"The club has seen great success in T20 cricket, and I hope I can help get the team off to a great start this summer.”

Fortuin has featured in 38 matches for South Africa, 25 of which have come in IT20s, where he has taken 20 wickets with an economy of under eight runs per over and scored 76 runs.

In the SA20 for Paarl Royals, the same team as John Turner and Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Fortuin has claimed 31 wickets, with 11 coming this year as Paarl finished second in the group stage.

Giles White, Director of Cricket, added: “Bjorn is an experienced cricketer and will be an excellent addition to our side while Liam is away on international duty.

"He will play the same role as Liam and slot in for the games that he is away.”

Wicket keeper and opening batter Lhuan-dre Pretorius has been called up to play for South Africa A on their tour of the West Indies, which began on Wednesday, May 21.

Pretorius will be available from Friday, June 13, until the end of the competition.

Hampshire Hawks get their men’s Vitality Blast campaign underway with a double-header at Utilita Bowl on Friday, May 30, against Essex.

Three further men’s and women’s double-headers take place on Tuesday, June 17, Sunday, July 6, and Sunday, July 13.

The best way to watch Hampshire Hawks in action is with a Vitality Blast Passport, which are currently available from £119, whilst matchday tickets are available from £10 for a women’s standalone match, and men’s matches and double headers are available from £26.