County cricket news: Hampshire sign Australia batsman George Bailey on two-year deal

Hampshire have announced the signing of Australia batsman George Bailey as their overseas player on a two-year deal.

The 34-year-old right-hander, who has also featured for Middlesex and Sussex, returns to the Ageas Bowl following a spell in 2013, and will be available in all three formats across the next two seasons.

"I'm thrilled to be returning to Hampshire for the next two years," he told the county's website.

"I had a great time at the Ageas Bowl back in 2013 and I'm really excited about the progress the squad has made over the last few years.

"I'm looking forward to doing my bit to contribute to a successful period ahead with Hampshire Cricket."

Bailey, formerly Australia Twenty20 captain and one-day vice-captain, has featured in 87 ODIs and 29 Twenty20 games since making his international debut in 2012. He has also won five Test caps - all during Australia's 5-0 Ashes whitewash on home soil in 2013-14.

"George has an excellent record across all formats of the game, has captained his country and is highly regarded as a person," Hampshire director of cricket Giles White said of the Tasmanian.

"He made a lasting impression during his previous stint with us and we are delighted to have him at Hampshire for the next couple of years."

The hard-hitting middle-order batsman has amassed more than 20,000 runs across his 12 year first-class career, and has also played in the Indian Premier League and Big Bash League.