Lancs sign Test duo

Chanderpaul: Lancashire move

Lancashire have announced the signings of both Simon Katich and Shivnarine Chanderpaul to make up for the loss of Kumar Sangakkara.

"While it was disappointing to learn that Kumar wasn't coming, it is fantastic that we have been able to secure the services of two world-class left handed batsmen to keep the continuity within the side once Ashwell Prince departs."
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Sri Lanka wicketkeeper Sangakkara was due to move to Old Trafford following the end of the ICC World Twenty20 next month, but he has had to extend his international commitments to cover the Asia Cup.

With Sangakkara unavailable, Lancashire had to look elsewhere and have signed two top-class Test stars as replacements.

"Kumar was due to join up with the club after the completion of the World Twenty20 next month, but the prospect of the Asia Cup and Sri Lanka's potential programme meant that option would be no longer possible," cricket director Mike Watkinson told the team's website.

"The news meant we had to look elsewhere, and we are very pleased to have signed two world-class players in Simon and Shivnarine."

Aussie due

Australia all-rounder Katich will play for the Red Rose county in June, covering the Friends Provident t20 tournament and also the important County Championship Roses match against Yorkshire at Old Trafford.

After Katich has left to join Australia's series against Pakistan, West Indies batsman Chanderpaul will then join in the middle of July and remain for the rest of the season.

"I'm really excited to be going to a big club like Lancashire and am looking forward to the opportunity it presents," said Katich, who has played 50 Tests and 44 ODIs for Australia.

"They've got a great squad of guys with youth and experience so I couldn't be happier. I love playing the Twenty20 game so hopefully I can assist Lancs in a successful campaign."

Chanderpaul enjoyed good spells at Durham, and the experienced 123-Test veteran has a brilliant first-class record with 18,000 runs to his name at an average over 54.

"I was very excited when Lancashire approached me with this opportunity," said the West Indian. "After having such a great association with Durham, I feel ready for a fresh challenge at Old Trafford. I look forward to joining the squad in July and contributing to the team's success."

Both signings still need to be approved by their international cricket boards, but Lancashire boss Peter Moores is delighted with the captures.

"While it was disappointing to learn that Kumar wasn't coming, it is fantastic that we have been able to secure the services of two world-class left handed batsmen to keep the continuity within the side once Ashwell Prince departs," he said.