Drakes is Edgbaston-bound for 2001

Warwickshire have signed the West Indian Vasbert Drakes as their overseas player next season. He joins on a one-year contract, succeeding the long-serving South African Allan Donald.

It's the third English county for 31-year-old Drakes, who's also played for Sussex and Nottinghamshire.

The all-rounder's excellent fitness record was a major factor, following Donald's repeated injury problems in his last two seasons at Edgbaston.

Warwickshire's Chief Executive, Dennis Amiss said: "As important as anything is his track record of staying fit and bowling a lot of overs."

Drakes will open the bowling with another recent signing, Melvyn Betts, formerly of Durham and England A.

But Drakes may only prove a temporary signing before Warwickshire try to re-engage Shaun Pollock for 2002 when the South African will face less calls from international fixtures. Pollock played at Edgbaston in 1996.