World-Cup winner James Faulkner is set to replace countryman Peter Siddle as Lancashire's overseas player for 2015 and will be available for all formats.
The Australian all-rounder replaces Siddle, who was recently selected for Australia's Ashes squad this summer, and will play at Emirates Old Trafford until he joins his teammates for their one-day series against England in late August.
Siddle's selection in the Australian team gave Lancashire a potential dilemma as to who would be able to fill in as their overseas signing, but the Red Rose have been working closely with Cricket Australia to find a replacement since then.
Lancashire's new signing said: “Lancashire is a huge county with a fine history in the game and I am looking forward to joining the squad next month.
“Playing in English conditions
will benefit my career and I cannot wait to work with Ashley and the rest of
the team.
Faulkner's devastating form in the World Cup saw a return of 10 wickets at an average of 19.76, but he was unable to earn a spot in the Australian Test team, making him a strong candidate to replace Siddle, who is due to be available for the first four matches of the County Championship campaign.
Figures of 3-36 earned him the Man of the Match award in the final against New Zealand and he will make his way to Manchester after completing his duties in the Indian Premier League where he represents the Rajasthan Royals.
Faulkner's maiden ODI century came in 2013 when the Tasmanian hit 116 from 73 deliveries, a record-breaking quickest century by any Australian in ODI cricket.
Lancashire Head Coach and Director of Cricket, Ashley Giles said: “While he is better
known at the moment for his performances in white ball cricket his record in
first class cricket is fantastic.
“Having James available for all
cricket is a real boost for the club and I’m certain all Lancashire cricket
fans will be delighted at the prospect of watching him play at Emirates Old
Trafford this season."
His ability to contribute with bat and ball will make him a destructive asset for the Lightning's one-day campaigns, as they aim to go one step further and achieve a maiden t20 trophy this summer. |
| Siddle was not expected to be selected, but his form in Sheffield Shield cricket made him stand out. |
The 24-year-old has only represented Australia in test cricket once, claiming six wickets against England, but his limited-overs pedigree makes impressive reading for someone so young. A return of 60 ODI wickets in his 44 appearances for the current world champions and a more than respectable batting average of 42.84 makes him a deadly all-rounder.
Siddle will play in the first four matches of the LV County Championship before he joins his Australian teammates for their tour of the West Indies.
Lancashire's four-day campaign begins on Sunday 19 April against Derbyshire at the 3aaa County Ground, where they hope to start their race for promotion to the first division.
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