ALVIRO Petersen will bring added discipline and batting consistency to Lancashire, according to former Enfield team-mate Adam Bracewell.

Petersen, who was the Dill Hall Lane club’s professional between 2004 and 2006, has signed a two–year deal with the Red Rose with an option to extend to a third year after announcing his retirement from international cricket.

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The South Africa batsman, who has county experience with Somerset, Essex and Glamorgan, called time on his international career following South Africa’s victory in the Third Test against the West Indies.

He played in 36 Tests for The Proteas scoring 2,093 runs with five hundreds, including one on debut against India and arrives at Emirates Old Trafford as a non-overseas player, subject to receiving official clearance.

And Bracewell believes it is a good signing for Lancashire.

“He was very disciplined in everything he did when he was here, and he expected everyone to be the same,” he said.

“Lancashire have needed a good player who can get runs consistently and Alviro can do that.

“He got close to 150 the first time he batted for Enfield and you could tell then he was something special.

“He is probably one of the most determined guys I’ve ever played with.”

Ashley Giles, Lancashire Cricket Director and Head Coach, said: “We are delighted to bring a player of Alviro’s calibre to Emirates Old Trafford.

“His experience at the top of the order, both internationally and domestically, is second to none and he will bring outstanding quality to our batting unit.

“He is a player who is well respected within the game and his experience will be of immense benefit to our younger batsmen.”

Petersen added: “I am delighted to be joining Lancashire County Cricket Club who are a massive club with some outstanding facilities.

“In Ashley Giles they have a top coach who will move the county in the right direction.

“Obviously the first thing is to try and get back into Division One but, ultimately, it is about winning trophies.

“Hopefully I can help Lancashire do that. Last year, if they had won probably one more game they would have stayed in Division One. But this is a great opportunity to come straight back up.

“They went into Division Two a few years back and came straight back up which shows they are a determined county and the players are committed.

“I have already spoken to Ashley, he is a top bloke. His coaching abilities speak for themselves and I am looking forward to working with him over the next couple of years. I can’t wait to get started.”