Lancashire have secured one of the major signatures for this season by capturing ferocious Australia paceman Peter Siddle for its first four months.
An accomplished Test performer, Siddle could be part of Australia’s Ashes squad for this summer although they have a wealth of fast bowlers to choose from.
Before that the 30-year-old may also feature in the two Tests versus West Indies in June.
When available, Siddle will significantly aid Lancashire’s hopes of returning to Division One of the LV= County Championship at the first time of asking.
He will primarily feature in the four-day competition and will be available for the start of Lancashire’s championship campaign away to Derbyshire from April 19.
Last season Siddle spent a similar-length spell with Nottinghamshire to what he could enjoy with Lancashire, taking 37 championship wickets in 11 appearances.
That haul helped Notts finish fourth in Division One, from which the Red Rose were relegated on the last day of the season.
Shortly after, Lancashire appointed Ashley Giles as cricket director and head coach. Siddle is the third fast bowler he has signed, following Nathan Buck and George Edwards, in part to offset Glen Chapple’s transition from playing to coaching.
Giles said: “We are delighted to have brought in Peter Siddle to strengthen our bowling attack.
“Peter is a world-class bowler with a tremendous pedigree and having him available for such an extended period will give our LV= County Championship campaign a real boost.
“He has previous experience of playing in English conditions and I am looking forward to him adding some additional quality to our squad.”
Siddle has made the vast majority of his Australia appearances in Tests, a format in which he has 192 wickets in 56 matches.
Siddle, who is not a member of Australia’s World Cup squad, said: “I enjoyed my time in England last season with Nottinghamshire and when I heard of Lancashire’s interest I had no hesitation in speaking with Ashley.
“I am looking forward to playing my cricket at Emirates Old Trafford, which is such a fantastic international cricket ground.”