Lancashire land Shankar

Lancashire have signed promising batsman Adrian Shankar on a two-year deal.

The 23-year-old Ascot-born player, a former Middlesex academy member and captain of the county’s under-19 team, joins the club after a short spell with Lancashire prior to this summer’s campaign.

The Cambridge University graduate spent the first half of last season playing for Kent’s second XI where he impressed with the bat, before returning to Lancashire in August to play in their second team.

He also attended Bedford School and played Minor Counties cricket for Bedfordshire.

Adrian Shankar chose to join Lancashire following spells with both Middlesex and Kent

Lancashire cricket manager Mike Watkinson said: “At Lancashire we have a very successful academy programme which has so far produced nine players who have gone on to sign professional contracts.

“Adrian is a quality young batsman who fills a gap in our player development programme. He has attracted interest from a number of other counties which confirms his potential.”

Shankar added: “Lancashire was always my preferred destination when deciding on my future. My father spent his formative years in Liverpool and retains great affection for the area.

“Even though I have grown up in the south, I have an emotional tie to the north west, and my experience of the people there has only reinforced that.

“I know competition for places will be fierce, but that is healthy for the club. I had a positive spell in the second XI this year, and the senior players were very open and welcoming.

“The coaches and the facilities at Old Trafford mean that the infrastructure is available for me to develop and become an important part of Lancashire's future.”