Cricket World Cup winner Faulkner joins Lancashire

Australia's World Cup-winning all-rounder James Faulkner has joined Lancashire for the bulk of the upcoming English domestic season, the Old Trafford-based county announced Friday.

Faulkner will arrive after his stint in the Twenty20 Indian Premier League to replace compatriot Peter Siddle, who will play in the Red Rose's opening four first-class County Championship matches before joining the Australia squad for a tour of the West Indies and subsequent Ashes series in England.

Faulkner was named man-of-the-match after taking three for 36 as Australia dismissed New Zealand for just 183 in their seven-wicket World Cup final win at the Melbourne Cricket Ground last month.  

"Lancashire is a huge county with a fine history in the game and I am looking forward to joining the squad next month," the 24-year-old Faulkner said in a club statement.

"Playing in English conditions will benefit my career and I cannot wait to work with Ashley (Giles) and the rest of the team," added the Tasmanian, a lively left-arm seamer and hard-hitting right-handed batsman.

Lancashire head coach Giles said: "James is a world-class cricketer and we are absolutely thrilled to bring him to Lancashire.

"While he is better known at the moment for his performances in white ball cricket his record in first-class cricket is fantastic," the former England left-arm spinner added.

"Having James available for all cricket is a real boost for the club and I'm certain all Lancashire cricket fans will be delighted at the prospect of watching him play at Emirates Old Trafford this season."

Source: AFP