Glamorgan snap up pace ace Steyn

The 32-year-old will join after playing in the Indian Premier League with the Gujarat Lions and will be available for Glamorgan's first seven T20 fixtures, with Australia's Shaun Tait replacing him for the second half of the competition.

Steyn is looking forward to linking up with the team, captained by his former international team-mate Jacques Rudolph, and said: "The timing of this opportunity is ideal and there is no better way to prepare than playing in the IPL.

"I know that Jacques and the rest of the team have set an initial target of qualifying for the quarter-finals and I will do all that I can to give the team the best possible start.

"It's also a valuable opportunity to get some overs under the belt in the lead up to the South Africa Test series in a controlled T20 environment."

The Proteas take on New Zealand in a two-Test series in August, before which he is also due to play in the Caribbean Premier League with the Jamaica Tallawahs. He will miss South Africa's Tri-Series against Australia and the West Indies in June.

Steyn has taken 178 T20 wickets at 23.22, including 58 at a superb average of 17.39 in 42 games for his country. He has also played 82 Tests and 112 one-day internationals, taking 406 Test wickets and 639 across all internationals.

Glamorgan chief executive Hugh Morris said: "We've had to remain patient in our search for overseas talent this season, but we're delighted to have got this deal over the line.

"Dale's standing in the international game is testament to the talent and consistency that he continues to display in all formats and we look forward to welcoming him to our club.

"The opportunity to sign a player of this calibre was one that we had to take and we can't wait for him to wear a Glamorgan shirt."

Should the Lions reach the IPL final, Steyn's arrival in south Wales will be delayed until after their Blast opener at Surrey and he could also miss the home clash with Essex.