Lou Vincent has been in form for Lancashire © Getty Images

Lou Vincent will be at Lancashire for the rest of the season after Brad Hodge decided to stay in Australia to look after his ill wife, Meg. Lancashire immediately released Hodge, who had three months left on his two-year deal, so he can support his wife and their young son Jesse, which freed up their overseas spot.

"Brad's wife has been ill for some time, and although she is on the mend, it's important that he be at home in Melbourne during this period of recovery," said Lancashire's chief executive Jim Cumbes. "Everyone associated with the club wishes Meg a speedy return to good health and would like to thank Brad for his invaluable contribution over the past four years."

Hodge had already missed a large chunk of the season after a sudden call-up for the Indian Premier League, then part way through that tournament he was summoned to the Caribbean to play for Australia.

Mohammad Yousuf provided part cover then, when he was required for Pakistan, the New Zealand batsman Vincent took over the Twenty20 duties. Vincent made an immediate impression on his new county with a century and two fifties, and topped their averages for the group stages.

Hodge first joined Lancashire at the start of the 2005 season on a two-year deal after a successful spell with Leicestershire.