Hampshire bring Fidel Edwards contract forward

West Indies fast bowler Fidel Edwards will join Hampshire two months earlier than planned in order to cover for injured Australia seamer Jackson Bird.

The 33-year-old was initially due to arrive at the Ageas Bowl in time for the Royal London One-Day Cup match against the Sussex Sharks on July 27.

However, Edwards will now be eligible to feature against Dorset on May 4 in place of Bird, who had to pull out of a deal with the club due to a neck injury which proved to be "worse than first feared".

Edwards has made 55 Test appearances for the West Indies.