Faulkner signs county deal with Lancashire

James Faulkner was the man of the match in the WC finals

Manchester, April 10, (IANS) Australia's all-rounder James Faulkner on Friday signed a deal with English second division county side Lancashire that will see him play in all three formats of cricket for the Old Trafford-based side this season.

Faulkner had been widely expected to secure the spot made vacant when Lancashire-signing fellow-Aussie Peter Siddle was called up for the Test squads against the West Indies and England.

The all-rounder will join the county in late May after his Indian Premier League (IPL) commitments with Rajasthan Royals are over, and is eager to push his Test case in English conditions.

Faulkner was the "Man of the Final" in the World Cup against New Zealand for his match haul of 3/36.

"Lancashire is a huge county with a fine history in the game and I am looking forward to joining the squad next month," Faulkner was quoted as saying by Cricket Australia (CA) on Friday.

"Playing in English conditions will benefit my career and I cannot wait to work with Ashley and the rest of the team, Faulkner said.

Lancashire's coach Ashley Giles said the county was keen to further his development in first-class cricket.

"While he is better known at the moment for his performances in white ball cricket his record in first class cricket is fantastic," Giles said.

"Having James available for all cricket is a real boost for the club and I'm certain all Lancashire cricket fans will be delighted at the prospect of watching him play at Emirates Old Trafford this season," he said.

Faulkner is currently in India playing in the IPL for Rajasthan Royals.