SOUTH Wilts’ determination to bag a fourth successive ECB Southern Electric Premier League title has been underlined by the signing of a leading Australian pace bowler.

Ryan Duffield, the 26-year old Western Australia left-arm paceman, will be the reigning champions' overseas player for the upcoming season.

Duffield, who hails from the powerful Melville Grade club in Perth, has taken 83 wickets in 30 State appearances.

He played for the Brisbane Heat franchise in this winter’s Big Bash twenty20 competition and, at the Gabba in December, spectacularly bowled Glenn Maxwell with a big swinging ‘cutter’ which the Melbourne Stars all-rounder simply shouldered arms to.

It was described ‘Down Under’ as the most stunning ball of the Australian season – a real shock to the millions of followers who watched it live on television and Maxwell himself!

Tom Morton, who is set to captain his second season in South Wilts' colours, is delighted with Duffield’s signing.

“Left arm swing bowlers seem to be extremely valuable these days, so having someone who can do this at great pace is a commodity, especially in club cricket,” he said.

“As a club we like to think we are fairly forward thinking in the way we approach club cricket, our attitude towards training and doing the smaller things well has served us nicely in recent times.

“I’m expecting this to be taken to the next level with the professional background and mentality that Ryan will bring to the club.

“The Premier League’s rule change to allow greater flexibility in player registration is really positive, this has brought some quality cricketers into the competition in the past year or two.

“Other clubs have recruited well and I’m expecting some really good cricket to be played this season. “As a club we experienced an increase in spectators a few years ago when Glenn Maxwell joined us and we’re hopeful the thought of watching an 85mph quick bowler running in at Lower Bemerton will have a similar effect!”

Duffield, who will work closely with the South Wilts juniors and academy players this summer, is expected to make his South Wilts debut in the final pre-season friendly match against Corsham at Bemerton on Saturday, April 25.

South Wilts begin their assault on a fourth straight title against the Hampshire Academy on the Ageas Bowl Nursery Ground on May 2 (1pm).