South Africa fast bowler Makhaya Ntini [Images] will join Warwickshire for the second half of this season, the English county club said on Wednesday.

Ntini will replace Zimbabwe paceman Heath Streak, who returns home in August for the New Zealand [Images] and India series.

"I am really looking forward to playing for Warwickshire," the 27-year-old Ntini said in a statement.

Ntini, who has taken 221 wickets in 59 tests at an average of 29.21, follows in the footsteps of compatriot Shaun Pollock [Images], a former Warwickshire overseas signing.

"I spoke to Shaun about it and he told me it would be a great experience for me to come and play county cricket," Ntini added. "I know that they are challenging for the (county) championship so that is an added incentive."

Warwickshire lie second behind Kent in division one of the county championship, having won four times in eight matches.

South Africa, whose season ended against West Indies [Images] last month, resume with a home series against New Zealand in October.