Jarvis completes Lancashire move

Kyle Jarvis, the Zimbabwe fast bowler who recently retired from international cricket, has joined Lancashire on a three-year-deal as a non-overseas player, subject to registration.

"I am delighted to be joining Lancashire on a three-year contract, as playing county cricket has been an ambition of mine for a number of years and the opportunity to forge a career in England was one that was too good to miss," Jarvis said.

Jarvis, 24, made his international debut in 2009 and went on to play 24 ODIs, taking 27 wickets at an average of 45.22. He also played in eight Tests since his debut against Bangladesh in 2011, with 30 wickets at 31.73, but has said he now hopes to qualify to play for England.

"I have loved my time playing for Zimbabwe, and I am extremely grateful for the part they have played in my development, but I feel the time is right to take on a new challenge and a new career," he said. "Reaching this decision has been an incredibly difficult process but I intend to make a home for myself in Manchester and hope my stay at Lancashire far outlasts this initial contract. My future is with Lancashire and in the county game with an end goal of potentially becoming English qualified in the future.

"This club is one with great heritage and history and I hope to be able to contribute significantly to its future with the ball in hand and I am excited about helping the club's quest for silverware in coming seasons."

Jarvis, whose first-class bowling average is 23.58, has also notched 30 wickets in 34 Twenty20 matches and Mike Watkinson, Lancashire's director of cricket, said that the addition would bolster the team's bowling. Lancahisre said Jarvis is due to join up with his new county "in the near future".

"The opportunity to sign someone of Kyle's age and potential does not arise very often," Watkinson said. "We feel he will be a great addition to our bowling attack for many years to come"