McCullum joins Lancashire

Lancashire have signed New Zealand international Nathan McCullum as their overseas player for this summer's Friends Provident t20.

The red rose county had already earmarked Shoaib Malik for the role but had to look elsewhere when his international ban was overturned on appeal, freeing him up to play for Pakistan.

Lancashire cricket director Mike Watkinson said: "It was obviously a blow to our plans when Shoaib Malik's international ban was overturned so close to the start of the competition."

He added: "However, I am delighted that we have a like-for-like replacement in Nathan. He is an experienced T20 player who will strengthen both our middle order and spin bowling options."

All-rounder McCullum has made 22 appearances for the Black Caps in the Twenty20 format, impressing as a quick-scoring batsman and an off-spin bowler.

He is set to make his debut against Northamptonshire at Old Trafford next Wednesday, and is available for all of Lancashire's remaining matches in the group stages of the competition.

The 29-year-old said: "I'm really excited at the prospect of joining Lancashire.

"Twenty20 is a form of the game I really enjoy so hopefully we can have a successful campaign and go the distance. I've heard great things about Lancashire as a club and can't wait to get over there.'