NIC POTHAS is a South African international wicketkeeper with a Greek passport, and will be lining up for Hampshire in the County Championship this summer.

Director of cricket, Tim Tremlett, revealed last night that they had snapped up the talented 28-year-old from under the noses of at least four counties, including Lancashire.

"We're delighted to have signed Nic," he said. "This shows the ambition of Hampshire.

"There will be a lot of top teams in Division 1 this summer. Last time we came straight down, but this signing will prompt competition for places in the team, and enable us to compete in the championship."

Pothas, who has played three one-day internationals for South Africa, is currently plying his trade with Gauteng where he has a batting average of 36 and a top score of 165.

He has signed a two-year contract with Hampshire and will join up with the team at the end of the domestic season.

He holds a Greek passport, so will qualify to play for Hampshire under EC regulations enabling them to field Zimbabwe international Neil Johnson and Pothas in the same team.

Tremlett revealed that they had been chasing Pothas for the last 18 months. "Our coach Jimmy Cook has known Nic since he was quite young, during his playing days with Transvaal," added Tremlett. "He is a quality player and comes highly recommended.

"This deal has been a long time in arranging. The registration finally came through from Lord's in November."

Pothas's signing could potentially put pressure on Hampshire number one wicketkeeper Adrian Aymes, and talented second team keeper, Iain Brunnschweiler.

Tremlett admitted they were keen to increase the strength of the squad and boost competition, but they saw the South African primarily as a batsman.

He added: "We have explained the situation to Nic. At the moment some people regard him more as a batsman/wicketkeeper. He regularly opens the batting for Gauteng in one-day game, and bats at four in the championship.

"Nic does keep wicket, but we are looking to him primarily as a batsman, who can keep wicket.

"Adie is one of the best wicketkeepers in the country, who also scores lot of runs, and he is certainly the number one."

Tremlett revealed that Hampshire are still keeping tabs on Lancashire batsman John Crawley. The England international stepped down as captain of the county last summer and has stated his intention to leave.

Hampshire are keen to sign the player, but the county's Director of Cricket admitted they were watching from the sidelines while Crawley sorts out his wrangle with Lancashire, who have refused him to be released from his contract.

© Southern Daily Echo