JOHANNESBURG, March 13: Pakistani tearaway Shoaib Akhtar confirmed on Thursday he will replace disgraced Australian spinner Shane Warne at English county side Hampshire next season.

The 27-year-old said he will join Hampshire after Pakistan play in the three-nation Sharjah Cup from April 1 to 10 against Sri Lanka and South Africa.

“My first priority is to play for Pakistan and will always be available for them,” Shoaib said in Rawalpindi.

“I am going to England next week to sign the contract and have a fitness test with Hampshire. I am quite excited at the prospect of playing in England.

“I want to ensure the county achieves the best results this season.”

The world’s fastest bowler took six wickets in Pakistan’s unsuccessful bid to reach the Super Six stage of the World Cup.

During Pakistan’s game against England at Cape Town, he sent down the fastest recorded ball of all time to Nick Knight at 101.2 miles per hour.—AFP