Hampshire have signed Sri Lanka's mystery spinner Ajantha Mendis as their overseas player for next season.

Mendis will replace leg-spinner Imran Tahir, who is hoping to return in 2011.

Twenty-four-year-old Mendis' repertoire crosses most categories of spin bowling, and Hampshire are delighted with an acquisition reminiscent of the great Shane Warne's arrival at the Rose Bowl.

It is a comparison which is not lost on Hampshire chairman Rod Bransgrove.

"Ajantha Mendis is the most exciting new bowler to explode on to the world stage since Shane Warne," he said.

"Anyone fortunate enough to witness his mesmeric effect on batsmen in this year's Twenty20 World Cup will eagerly await his arrival in English county cricket.

"We are particularly excited that he has decided to join Hampshire, having been courted by a number of counties over the past few months - and he can be assured of a warm welcome from members and supporters of this ambitious club."

Mendis made his Test debut only last year but already has 39 wickets in eight matches.

Hampshire's first-team manager Giles White is hoping the Sri Lankan's association with the Rose Bowl will be enduring.

"The signature of Ajantha Mendis is very exciting for the county game and for Hampshire cricket in particular," he said.

"He follows the trend of top-class overseas spinners at the club, and we hope that we can form a long-lasting relationship with both Ajantha and Imran Tahir over the coming years.

"The fact that Ajantha chose Hampshire to be his club ahead of many of the interested parties is testament to the progression the club has made over the last few years and the environment the player's have created."