MANCHESTER, England, CMC – West Indies pacer Daren Powell will play for Lancashire in next season’s County Championship, after signing a two-year contract with the club.

The 31-year-old Powell, who has played 37 Tests, has linked up with the north England county as a Kolpak player. The deal will be formalized after visa and registration issues have been sorted.

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

“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.”

Lancashire’s cricket director Mike Watkinson was equally excited about Powell’s arrival at Old Trafford.
“Daren is a strike bowler of international quality, who will add strength and depth to our bowling attack,” the former England Test all-rounder said.

“Last 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 had a see-sawed career for the West Indies, taking 85 wickets in his 37 Tests since making his debut against New Zealand in 2002.

He averages 47.85 per wicket and poor form resulted in his axing following the final Test of the series against England in the Caribbean earlier this year.

Powell, who has played for Hampshire in the past, said he was eager to suit up for his new club.
“I’m very excited to be joining Lancashire. They are a big club and from what I hear, have big ambitions,” he said.

“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.”