TALL Barbadian fast-bowler Vasbert Drakes will be Todmorden's professional in 1998.

Drakes played Sussex in the County Championship in 1996 and 1997.

"We are delighted to sign someone of Vasbert's stature," said Todmorden chairman Malcolm Heywood.

"We hope he will be a real attraction this summer."

Now aged 28, the pinnacle of Vasbert's career was representing West Indies in five limited overs internationals against Australia in 1995 and gaining a place on the tour of England later that year.

Since then however, he has rather ruled himself out of international recognition by playing for Border in South Africa over the last two English winters.

It was while playing for Border against Natal in 1996 that Vasbert produced figures of 8-59, the best of his career.

With more than 200 first class wickets to his name Vasbert is expected to bring a real cutting edge to the Todmorden attack as well as scoring vital runs.

A career batting average of around 27 is evidence of genuine batting ability and his CV includes two centuries-180 not out for Barbados against Leeward Islands in 1995 and 145 not out for Sussex against Essex in 1996.

Vasbert has already played in the Lancashire League as sub professional for Enfield during the 1997 season.

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