Northants capture Copeland

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Northamptonshire have signed Australian paceman Trent Copeland for the first two months of the 2013 season.

Copeland, who represented his country in three Tests against Sri Lanka in 2011, will arrive at Wantage Road in time for Northants’ opening LV= County Championship fixture against Glamorgan, starting on April 10.

He will then be available for a further six championship matches and half a dozen Yorkshire Bank 40 games before leaving on June 8.

Trent Copeland claimed six wickets in three Test appearances for Australia in 2011. The seamer is now set to link up with Northamptonshire

Northants head coach David Ripley expressed his delight at the capture of a bowler boasting a first-class average of 26.

“We are delighted to welcome Trent to Northants,” said Ripley.

“It’s not been a straightforward journey but he was the first player we approached in October about becoming our overseas bowler for the first part of the season and with a few twists and turns he is now coming.

“Everybody I have spoken to about Trent - Michael Hussey, Cameron White and Matt Nicholson to name three - has been consistent with their opinion. He is skilful, accurate and should be perfectly suited to early season conditions in England.

“He has a first-rate record in Australian state cricket. We are looking forward to him shaping our season in the two months he is with us. It hasn't gone unnoticed that he has just scored his maiden first-class century too.”

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