English county Somerset on Friday signed big-hitting South Africa batsman Richard Levi for their domestic Twenty20 campaign.

Levi holds the record for the fastest Twenty 20 international century after smashing 117 not out in just 51 balls against New Zealand in February in only his second match for South Africa.

The 24-year-old's ton came off just 45 deliveries and included 13 sixes as he guided his side to an eight-wicket victory in Hamilton.

Levi's arrival in Taunton was prompted by Francois du Plessis's withdrawal from Somerset's Twenty20 squad after being called up to the South Africa A side for the visit of Sri Lanka.

Du Plessis was originally signed by Somerset after Chris Gayle pulled out of a deal when he opted to resurrect his West Indies career.

Levi is currently playing for Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League and will join Somerset at the conclusion of the tournament.