LANCASHIRE has bolstered its fast bowling options with the signing of experienced Australian international pace bowler Jackson Bird for the LV= County Championship.

The 34-year-old will arrive at Emirates Old Trafford for six matches of the Club’s red-ball campaign this summer and be available from Lancashire’s third fixture of the season, as the Red Rose take on Kent in Canterbury, starting on April 22.

Bird has 34 Test match wickets to his name from nine caps and boasts an impressive First-Class record with 401 wickets taken at an average of just 24.

He currently plays Sheffield Shield cricket for Tasmania and has enjoyed a fine 2020/21 campaign so far – with 22 wickets at 26 from six matches.

Bird’s consistent accuracy - combined with swing and seam movement - has made him one of the most dangerous propositions to face in the Shield throughout his career.

The New South Wales-born bowler has featured in the County Championship before playing at both Hampshire and Nottinghamshire.

He last featured for Australia during the 2017/18 Ashes Boxing Day Test victory at the MCG.

Speaking after agreeing to join Lancashire, Bird, who also represents Sydney Sixers in the Big Bash League, said: “I’m really happy to have the opportunity to come over and play for Lancashire.

“I’ve felt in good form during this year’s Sheffield Shield and hope I can continue this into the English summer and help the Club in the LV= County Championship.

“I feel as though I have unfinished business in English county cricket, and I am looking forward to showing my best to my new teammates and the members and supporters at Emirates Old Trafford.”

Director of Cricket, Paul Allott, said: “Jackson’s skills bowling with the new ball and his vast experience will complement our current pace attack nicely.

“Following Graham Onions’ retirement at the end of last season, it was important that we were able to add depth to our quick bowling ranks and help to replace his on-field leadership of the attack. Richard Gleeson will be unavailable due to a back injury for the first part of the season, so Jackson will give us another option for those six four-day fixtures.

“Jackson’s accuracy and ability to swing the ball means that he is an incredibly useful asset to have in English bowling conditions and I am looking forward to seeing him in action for Lancashire this summer.”

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