Nottinghamshire have filled their overseas quota for the 2015 season with the signings of international pacemen Vernon Philander and Ben Hilfenhaus.
South African Philander will play six LV= County Championship Division One matches and a trio of NatWest T20 Blast games before being replaced by Australian Hilfenhaus in June.
Notts director of cricket Mick Newell said: “It is becoming increasingly difficult to recruit an overseas player of high quality to spend an entire season in county cricket so we’re very pleased to have two high-quality bowlers sharing the spot.
“We made the decision to recruit bowlers because we felt that we needed to add some experience to enable us to take 20 wickets in championship matches more regularly.
“Ben and Vernon were keen to have stints in county cricket in 2015 and it’s pleasing that they have chosen to join us.”
Vernon Philander (@VDP_24) in numbers: http://t.co/gGAPOZPKwhpic.twitter.com/9Q33Kfzh5l
— Nottinghamshire CCC (@TrentBridge) December 19, 2014
Philander, likely to play for South Africa in the 2015 World Cup, is familiar with county cricket having had spells with Kent, Middlesex and Somerset.
The 29-year-old, who has played 26 Tests, 21 one-day internationals and seven Twenty20s for the Proteas, said: “I’ve got a lot of cricket to play in the lead-up to my time with Nottinghamshire but I know the job that I have to do and I’ll be well prepared for the county season.
“There is always responsibility to make a personal contribution and hopefully the results will follow and I can help Nottinghamshire make a good start to the season.”
Hilfenhaus will replace Philander, who will continue his international commitments, and is set for his first taste of county cricket, making his debut in the Outlaws’ home Blast fixture with Leicestershire Foxes on June 5.
Ben Hilfenhaus in numbers: http://t.co/YveLmc5LbR pic.twitter.com/jJ9xVbPK9M
— Nottinghamshire CCC (@TrentBridge) December 19, 2014
The 31-year-old, with 59 international appearances to his name, follows in the footsteps of fellow countrymen Ed Cowan, Peter Siddle and Phil Jaques, who have recently enjoyed spells at Trent Bridge.
Hilfenhaus said: "I've always been keen to have a spell in county cricket and Nottinghamshire is the ideal club for me given their track record of competing for trophies and the proud history of Australians enjoying success there.
"It's hard to find time in the schedule to commit to a full season so sharing the overseas spot with Vernon Philander is ideal for both of us.
"I've had some good discussions with Mick Newell and Ed Cowan and I'm looking forward to getting started at Trent Bridge."
The pair strengthen a bowling attack that lost Ajmal Shahzad to Sussex in the close season.