Powell agrees move to Lancashire

Powell agrees move to Lancashire

Lancashire have completed the signing of West Indies Test bowler Daren Powell on a two-year contract, subject to visa and registration clearance.

The 31-year-old, who has played 37 Tests and over 50 one-day internationals, has previously had spells with Derbyshire and Hampshire.

"He is a strike bowler with great firepower," cricket director Mike Watkinson told BBC Radio Lancashire.

"He's quick and we're looking for him to make in-roads with the new ball."

Powell made his test debut against New Zealand in the first test in Bridgetwon, Barbados in June 2002.

After struggling to make an impact for the national side, the Jamaican-born cricketer reignited his career in 2006-07 by taking nine wickets during the one-day international series against India.


Next season we will be playing a lot of cricket...so we needed to strengthen our bowling options

Lancashire cricket director Mike Watkinson
His performance earned him a call-up to the 2007 World Cup squad in the Caribbean.

"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," said Powell.

Watkinson believes Powell's signature will add some much needed strength in depth to the squad.

"Glen Chapple is not getting any younger, although he still performs tremendously well for us," he said.

"Saj Mahmood is now in the England one-day squad and we may have periods were he's unavailable.

"Oliver Newby enters the last year of his contract next season and we've not been able to persuade him to extend that. So we need to make sure that we've got cover for next season and possibly beyond."

Lancashire head coach Peter Moores added: "Daren is a talented bowler with genuine pace, who will compliment 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."