Currently second in Division Two, Sussex have drawn five of their six matches - which included seeing Glamorgan rack up a record second-innings score of 737 at Hove last month - and Paul Farbrace, the head coach, had spoken of adding firepower for the club's four fixtures in June and July.

With Steven Smith having finished a three-game spell and Cheteshwar Pujara on duty with India for the World Test Championship final and a tour of the Caribbean, Sussex had an overseas spot to fill, enabling Shipley to gain his first taste of county cricket.

"Henry is an exciting addition to our squad for the next four County Championship matches," Farbrace said. "We are really looking forward to Henry adding his high level of skill to our bowling attack and helping us to take 20 wickets.

"I'd also like to thank New Zealand Cricket who have been fantastic in their help and support to make this happen."

Shipley, 27, who has been capped in eight ODIs and five T20Is, will be available for Sussex's home game against Worcestershire staring on Sunday, as well as fixtures against Glamorgan, Derbyshire and Yorkshire.

A right-arm seamer who stands 1.96m tall, Shipley averages 27.59 with the ball and is also a useful batter, with six half-centuries to his name.

Shipley said: "I am really glad to have signed on with Sussex, the team has been playing really well so far in the Championship and I am looking forward to getting there and contributing for the team."