Ed Giddins has signed for Hampshire in a two-year deal. The 31-year-old former England bowler moves to The Rose Bowl from county champions Surrey.

"Joining Hampshire was an easy decision," said Giddins. "Once they showed an interest in me I could see the potential of the club and it's an exciting challenge for me.

"Hampshire are playing in the wrong division of the championship and the biggest challenge for me is to be able to look back next September and say that I contributed to gaining promotion.

Giddins, who was suspended while at Sussex after failing a drugs test and also played for Warwickshire, has appeared in four Test matches, the most recent in the summer of 2000. He has a Test-best of five for 15 against Zimbabwe at Lord's.

He played in just six Championship matches for Surrey last season, taking 19 wickets at 36.63. However his 30 National League victims came at less than 15 apiece.

"He is a very good bowler with a wealth of experience," said Hampshire's Director of Cricket Tim Tremlett. "He still bowls at a good pace and is perfect for English conditions."

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