Jos Buttler signs for Lancashire.

Lancashire snap-up future England talent.

Jos Buttler has been confirmed as a Lancashire player, following the recent departure of former wicket-keeper batsman, Gareth Cross, as the future England talent aims to build upon his, already, stunning career.

Aged just 23-years-old, Buttler has already achieved international recognition, competing in 25 T20 matches and 20 ODI's since making his international debut in August 2011.

The keeper-batsman made his first-class debut against his new county back in 2009 for Somerset, but has struggled to compete for a place in the first eleven on a regular basis, due to the preferred presence of Craig Kieswetter, a fellow competitor for future international duties.

The deal became mutually beneficial for both parties, following the announcement of Gareth Cross' departure, after nine seasons in the first team for a Lancashire side, who recently returned to the first division of the County Championship as champions of the lower tier.

In first-class cricket Buttler has registered over 2,000 runs at an average of 31.73, claiming 82 catches thus far in his career.

Lancashire coach Peter Moores said:"It is great news Jos will be joining us and he will become part of a highly competitive squad. His style of cricket will add value to the team in all formats of the game and his potential as a player is very exciting."

Photos from final day at Kent.

Kent Vs. Lancashire LVCC day four.

Kent stun Champions on final day of the season.

Darren Stevens led a miraculous victory for Kent on the final day of the 2013 season, finishing unbeaten on 205, as the hosts clinched a two-wicket victory over the previously unbeaten Champions.

Kent played with a no-fear approach, attempting to defend a record stemming back to 1872, the last time they failed to win a home game in the Championship campaign.

Lancashire lived to regret a premature declaration as Kent successfully chased 418, the highest ever fourth innings total versus Lancashire, the previous three highest also against Kent.

Adam Ball made 69 in a 148-run partnership with Stevens, after opener Sam Northeast, had earlier been dismissed by Luke Procter for 70.

The Division Two victors struck in the first full over of the day, as Brendan Nash departed to Zimbabwean Kyle Jarvis, but this proved to be the fast-bowlers only wicket of the day.

The wicket of Ben Harmison (7) proved to be key after he had made 59 in the first innings and at 60-3 Lancashire appeared to be heading for their ninth win of the campaign.

A stand worth 82 between Northeast and Stevens kick-started the revival and soon enough the hosts became favorites despite the large total required.

After making a century in the first innings, former captain Rob Key had expected to have played his final hand in the season, due to a broken thumb, but he was able to accompany Stevens over the finish line with three painful runs batting at number ten.

Oliver Newby (3-55) claimed two late wickets to swing the pendulum once more, but Lancashire had an insufficient amount of runs to play with as Stevens continued his onslaught in an innings containing 21 fours and three sixes.

It will have been disappointing for Lancashire to finish the season on a loss, tarnishing their unbeaten record, but they will take solace from their promotion to first division as Champions and finishing 36 points clear of Northamptonshire in second place.

Photos from third day at Kent.

Kent Vs. Lancashire LVCC day three.

Final day showdown set-up.

Despite Lancashire's commanding position in this fixture, the final day at Canterbury promises to be enthralling with all three results still possible on the final day of the season.

Kent closed on 32-1 requiring a further 385 runs to pull-off a miraculous victory and would have had all second innings wickets remaining were it not for the injury of Rob Key and loss of Daniel Bell-Drummond prior to close of play.

The visitors extended their minimal lead of 24 for most of the day thanks to Paul Horton and Ashwell Prince, with both batsmen making centuries to put Lancashire in the driving seat.

Opener Luis Reece fell just short of his ninth fifty in eleven innings, making 47 in his fifth hundred-run stand with Horton this season.

The laters made him the first person to make back-to-back centuries since John Crawley in 1998 versus Glamorgan, scoring his second hundred of the match from 190 balls. 

Horton's was slightly slower, coming from 238 deliveries, but his third century in four matches confirms his position back at the top of the order after his injury problems.

Andrea Agathangelou added a cameo innings of 51 not out from just 35 balls, with Lancashire declaring on 393-5, setting the hosts 418 to win.

Photos from second day at Kent.