Kiwi Wagner signs for Lancashire as overseas player

Lancashire have completed the signing of New Zealand left-arm pace bowler Neil Wagner as an overseas player for the 2016 season.

Wagner, as well as James Anderson, will be available for the start of the new season, and he is expected to feature primarily in four-day cricket. The Kiwi paceman has played 18 Tests for his country taking 67 wickets at an average of 33.34.

The Red Rose County are back in Division One of the Championship and Wagner will bring a wealth of experience to Old Trafford, having taken 431 first-class wickets at an average of 27.20.

Wagner said: "I am extrememly excited to play for such a great club. I have always admired Lancashire, ever since playing in the Liverpool Lancashire league for Ormskirk in 2008.

"I'm very much looking forward to joining up with the squad and working with Ashley and the rest of the team. I hope my contributions will help Lancs to win some silverware to sit in the cabinet at Emirates Old Trafford."

Captain Steven Croft was quick to welcome Wagner to Lancashire.

The South-African born bowler started his career at Northerns, before moving to New Zealand, where he now represents Otago, playing alongside the likes of Brendon McCullum and Jesse Ryder.

Director of Cricket and Head Coach, Ashley Giles, said: "We are delighted to have brought in Neil Wagner to strengthen our bowling attack.

"Neil is a world class bowler with a tremendous pedigree and having him available for such an extended period will give our County Championship Division One campaign a real boost.

New Zealand's Test series against South Africa means that Wagner is likely to be available until the end of July, with a replacement overseas player likely to be announced thereafter.