Astle signs for Lancashire

The New Zealand batsman, Nathan Astle, has signed for Lancashire as a replacement for Australia's Brad Hodge, who is returning Down Under for an A team tournament at the end of the month.

Astle, 34, first made his name at Test level in 1995-96 with consecutive centuries against West Indies. England fans, however, will remember him for his eyepopping feats at Christchurch in March 2002, when he hammered 222 off 168 balls, to record the fastest double-century in Test history.

"Lancashire are a big club with ambitions to match and I want to help them win trophies," said Astle. "I know they have top-class facilities and back-up, and I'm looking forward to playing on a great Test Match ground like Old Trafford."

Lancashire's manager Mike Watkinson said: "Nathan will provide quality and experience. We are still committed to utilising only one overseas place and he is coming in to cover for the periods where we will be without Brad. His record speaks for itself and we are confident he will enjoy his cricket with us."

Astle has appeared in 79 Tests, scoring 4650 runs at an average of 37.8, and 212 one-day internationals with a tally of 6890 runs at 35.6. This will be his third county, following stints at Durham and Nottinghamshire, and he could make his debut against Warwickshire on June 25.