Drakes lined up as Sehwag's replacement

Vasbert Drakes, West Indies' fast-bowling allrounder, looks set to become Virender Sehwag's replacement at Leicestershire, according to the coach Phil Whitticase.

Speaking to BBC Radio Leicester, Whitticase said he hoped to complete the signing within 24 hours, after their attempts to sign the Australian fast bowler, Matt Nicholson, were blocked by his state side, New South Wales.

Drakes, 33, has played seven Tests and 30 one-day internationals for the West Indies, and last May he was one of the stars of a record-breaking run-chase against Australia in Antigua. He has been a regular on the county circuit for several years, having previously played for Sussex, Nottinghamshire and Warwickshire. If his registration is completed swiftly, he may come into contention for the Championship match against Lancashire at Grace Road, starting on Wednesday.

Sehwag scored 478 runs in six Championship appearances for Leicestershire, including two centuries, but he has been told to take a complete break from the game for six weeks. He is returning home to ready himself for India's Test series against New Zealand in October.