English wicketkeeper-batsman Ben Cox will join Otago for the Super Smash tournament.
The 26-year-old right-hander has played 101 first-class games, so he is an experienced campaigner with a proven track record.
He has also played plenty of twenty20 cricket, having managed to squeeze in 89 games so far.
Cox is regarded as one of the best keepers on the county scene and showed he can add value with the bat with a tremendous innings in the final of the T20 Blast.
He steered his side to its first title with an undefeated 46 against Sussex.
Otago coach Rob Walter said Cox's arrival would help fill the gap left by the departure of players such as Derek de Boorder, Rob Nicol and Jimmy Neesham.
''To have a cricketer of the quality and experience of Ben is very exciting for the Volts, given the change in staff over the winter,'' Walter said.
''Ben has a strong track record of success and I have no doubt that he will be of great value to the team.
Cox will not arrive in time for the Volts' opening game in Canterbury tomorrow, though, as there was a delay with his visa.
''I'm delighted to be given the opportunity to represent the Volts,'' Cox said.
''I am aware of the proud history of Otago cricket and the quality of the tournament.
''I have been lucky enough to enjoy team and personal success in our domestic T20 competition this year and I hope to be involved in a similar way with Otago.
''On top of that, I'm really looking forward to meeting up with my new team-mates and spending time in a beautiful part of the world.''
A second import player might not be much further way, although the Volts have plenty of options, with the likes of Tom Beaton and Travis Muller getting the call-up for tomorrow's season opener.
