Lancashire sign North to replace Hodge

Lancashire have signed Marcus North, the Australian batsman, to replace Brad Hodge as their overseas player in mid-July. North, 25, will be a direct batting replacement when Hodge lines up for Australia against England for the Ashes.

"He is a young player who has had success in his game and is keen to show his talents in the UK," said Mike Watkinson, Lancashire's manager. "We are delighted that he has agreed to come to Old Trafford."

The left-hander North, who averages 40 in all first-class cricket, will be well used to English conditions when he arrives, having played for Durham last season, where he struck a career-best 219 against Glamorgan in June. North also plays domestic cricket for Western Australia.