Nottinghamshire CCC complete double swoop

Philander, the 29-year-old South African international, will arrive in April to feature in six LV= County Championship matches and three NatWest T20 Blast group matches before departing to fulfill international duties.

Australia’s Hilfenhaus, 31, will arrive in time to make his debut in the NatWest T20 Blast fixture against Leicestershire Foxes at Trent Bridge on Friday 5 June.

Nottinghamshire Director of Cricket Mick Newell was pleased to complete the deals which give Nottinghamshire overseas reinforcements for the entire season.

“It is becoming increasingly difficult to recruit an overseas player of high quality to spend an entire season in county cricket so we’re very pleased to have two high quality bowlers sharing the spot,” said Newell.

“We made the decision to recruit bowlers because we felt that we needed to add some experience to enable us to take 20 wickets in Championship matches more regularly.

“Ben and Vernon were keen to have stints in county cricket in 2015 and it’s pleasing that they have chosen to join us.”

While Philander has already represented Kent, Middlesex and Somerset, Hilfenhaus is yet to feature in county cricket but is relishing the opportunity to test his skills in English conditions.

“I’ve always been keen to have a spell in county cricket and Nottinghamshire is the ideal club for me given their track record of competing for trophies and the proud history of Australians enjoying success there,” said Hilfenhaus, a veteran of 27 Tests, 25 One Day Internationals and 7 T20 Internationals.

“It’s hard to find time in the schedule to commit to a full season so sharing the overseas spot with Vernon Philander is ideal for both of us.

“I’ve had some good discussions with Mick Newell and Ed Cowan and I’m looking forward to getting started at Trent Bridge.”

Philander will feature in the ICC Cricket World Cup for South Africa before checking in at Trent Bridge. The all-rounder has taken 115 wickets and scored 684 runs in his 26-match Test career.

“I’ve got a lot of cricket to play in the lead-up to my time with Nottinghamshire but I know the job that I have to do and I’ll be well prepared for the county season,” said Philander.

“There is always responsibility to make a personal contribution and hopefully the results will follow and I can help Nottinghamshire make a good start to the season.”