New Zealand international Mitchell McClenaghan has set his sights on helping Lancashire Lightning to glory after joining the Emirates Old Trafford ranks for their T20 campaign.
The 27-year-old seamer is currently representing the Black Caps in the ICC Champions Trophy after impressing for his country in the recent NatWest one-day series against England.
And McClenaghan – who has nine 50-over and six T20 caps to his name – expects his time with the Red Rose to enhance his burgeoning reputation.
“Lancashire are a club with a great history and tradition and I hope to be able to help the club to T20 success this season,” he told Lancashire’s official website.
“I have enjoyed being part of the New Zealand tour of the UK and Champions Trophy squad so far and the opportunity to broaden my cricket experience by playing county cricket was too good to turn down.”
Lancashire head coach Peter Moores is pleased with his latest acquisition and expects the Hastings-born bowler to make a big impact when the T20 tournament gets underway later this month.
“To have an International quality left-arm seamer joining us for the Friends Life T20 competition is very exciting and a real boost to the squad,” he said.
“The fact that Mitchell is coming straight out of International cricket in England means he will hit the ground running, and his competitive nature looks a perfect fit for how we go about our cricket.”
McClenaghan has taken eight wickets so far in this year’s Champions Trophy after making his international debut over the winter.
He will join Simon Katich as Lancashire’s overseas player for the competition, with Director of Cricket Mike Watkinson expecting the left-armer to be an influential presence this summer.
“Mitch is a relative newcomer to International cricket but has made rapid progress to become a very influential member of the New Zealand one-day side,” he said.
“His ability with the new ball and at the back end of the innings makes him ideal for us.”
Image courtesy of BlackCapsTV, via YouTube, with thanks.
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