Tuesday 24 April 2018 11:11, UK
Lancashire have confirmed the signing of England one-day wicketkeeper Jos Buttler.
Buttler left Somerset at the end of the season and his move to Old Trafford was widely expected.
Buttler has been battling with Craig Kieswetter for the wicketkeeping gloves at Taunton for years. And although England's ODI management prefer Buttler, Somerset's bosses have Kieswetter as their No 1 gloveman.
The big-hitting batsman is likely to be the first-choice wicketkeeper at Lancashire after it was announced Gareth Cross would not be offered a new deal.
And he will be donning the gloves in the top flight with Lancashire promoted to the top-flight this summer as Division Two champions.
Head coach Peter Moores says Lancashire want to help Buttler play Test cricket, as well as ODIs - even if that means they do not see much of him.
Moores told Sky Sports News: "If he becomes a full international like Jimmy Anderson you really see them at the start of the season for a couple of games and then don't see them again.
"If that happens, that happens and we are here to help Jos fulfill his dream of becoming a full international player.
"We played really good cricket this season and dominated the division by being really consistent. You are always looking to strengthen in any area you can. Jos is a very exciting player with the bat in all forms. In the longer form of cricket I think he will develop in the next couple of years."
Buttler said: "I am delighted to be joining Lancashire County Cricket Club. They have a strong squad and are very ambitious to build on this season's achievement..
"The club has an exceptional coaching staff which will help me to continue to develop as a keeper-batsman.
"Lancashire have a talented group of players who will be looking to challenge for all three competitions. They have been there or thereabouts in recent seasons in the T20 competition and I know for certain that Lancashire Lightning will want to make a mark in the NatWest T20 next year."
Lancashire's cricket director Mike Watkinson said: "We are delighted to bring Jos to Emirates Old Trafford.
"He is a regular England international and has demonstrated that he is growing as a cricketer. His talent and ability match our ambitions going forward."
