Hampshire have signed Australia all-rounder Glenn Maxwell for the NatWest T20 Blast.
Maxwell, a powerful batsman who bowls useful off-spin, has made 24 one-day international and 15 Twenty20 appearances for his country.
He enjoyed a stint at the Ageas Bowl in 2012 and may also feature in other formats depending on the availability of South African seamer Kyle Abbott.
Maxwell said: “I’m really looking forward to re-joining Hampshire after a year with Surrey in the T20s.
“I’ve made a lot of close friends from the Hampshire squad and management and I look forward to being part of another successful season with them."
Director of cricket Giles White said: “It’s great to have Maxi back with us; he is an extremely popular figure here both among the playing group and with the supporters.
“His all-round qualities make him a great fit in what is shaping up to be an exciting T20 squad.”