MIDDLESEX have brought in all-rounder Ryan McLaren to replace fellow South African Tyron Henderson for their Twenty20 campaign this summer.

McLaren, who has just turned 28, will be available for all of the Panthers’ t20 fixtures this season, and should fill the slot occupied by Henderson in recent years.

The all-rounder previously played alongside current Middlesex captain Neil Dexter for Kent Spitfires, taking a hat-trick to help them to victory over Gloucestershire in the 2007 t20 final.

However, McLaren – who has represented South Africa 10 times in one-day internationals – finished on the losing side when Middlesex claimed the trophy the following year.

He has also appeared in one Test, an innings victory over England at Johannesburg a year ago, and featured for Mumbai Indians in the last two Indian Premier League seasons.

“Ryan is an extremely good cricketer who is unlucky not to be in South Africa’s World Cup squad,” said Middlesex director of cricket Angus Fraser.

“He offers explosive hitting when batting, experience and nous when he has the ball in his hand and energy and athleticism in the field. We are looking forward to welcoming him to Lord’s.”

The Panthers get their t20 challenge under way on Friday June 3 against Glamorgan in Cardiff, with their first home fixture against Essex Eagles at Lord’s a week later.