Powell pens Lancashire deal

Daren Powell has played 37 Tests and can draw on experience of English conditions from a spell at Hampshire

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Lancashire have moved to strengthen their seam attack with the signing of West Indies pace bowler Daren Powell.

The 31-year-old, who qualifies as a Kolpak player through his Jamaican heritage, has agreed a two-year contract subject to visa and registration clearance.

Powell has played 37 Tests for West Indies, the most recent of which was the drawn fifth Test against England at Port of Spain in March.

He boasts experience of English conditions from a spell with Hampshire in 2007, having toured England with West Indies earlier that summer.

“I’m very excited to be joining Lancashire,” said Powell. “They are a big club and, from what I hear, have big ambitions.

“I did have other county opportunities but I’ve always enjoyed playing at Old Trafford and believe I can make a real contribution to the team over the next couple of years.”

Powell adds depth to a Lancashire bowling attack which was severely depleted by injuries this season, prompting the club to sign Tom Lungley on loan from Derbyshire towards the end of the summer.

Powell represents Lancashire’s second close-season signing following the capture of England Lions opening batsman Stephen Moore from Worcestershire.

Lancashire head coach Peter Moores said: “Daren is a talented bowler with genuine pace who will complement our existing bowling unit.

“Next season we will be playing a lot of cricket, even more than this season, so we needed to strengthen our bowling options to ensure we remain not only competitive, but are challenging for silverware.”

Director of cricket Mike Watkinson added: “(This) season we were exposed when key bowlers sustained lengthy injuries all at the same time.

“And with Saj (Mahmood) pushing for England honours next season and Jimmy (Anderson) on a central contract, it was important we added experience to our bowling ranks during the winter.”

Powell has taken 85 Test wickets at an average of 47.85 since making his West Indies debut in 2002, although his first-class record - 267 wickets at 33.06 - is significantly better.