Strauss set for Knights crusade

England batsman Andrew Strauss is set to join New Zealand's Northern Knights on a short-term contract.

The club are expected to announce the signing of the South African-born left-hander on Friday for the State Shield and Twenty20 competitions in January and February.

The deal will expire in time for Strauss to be able join the England squad for the tour of New Zealand in February.

The 30-year-old was dropped for England`s current tour of Sri Lanka despite being handed a central contract by the England and Wales Cricket Board in September.

Strauss will follow former England batsman Graeme Hick to Hamilton after the Worcestershire veteran enjoyed a prolific spell in the 1980s.