Former West Indies paceman Fidel Edwards will rejoin Hampshire for a fifth successive season.

Edwards enjoyed his most prolific campaign for the south coast club last year, leading their wicket-taking charts in the County Championship with 54 scalps at an average of 26.72.

The 36-year-old, who took 165 wickets in in 55 Tests for the Windies between 2003 and 2012, will once again be available for the entirety of this year’s championship.

Hampshire director of cricket Giles White said: “It’s great to have Fidel back with us again next season.

“He’s been an important part of the squad since joining us in 2015 and he had an excellent season for us last year.

“His pace adds variety and offers something different to our attack and he’s a very popular player within the group – having him around for 2019 is another real positive for us.”