Daren Powell joins Lancashire

West Indian fast bowler Daren Powell has been signed by Lancashire on a two-year contract subject to visa and registration.

"Daren is a strike bowler of international quality, who will add strength and depth to our bowling attack," Lancashire's cricket director Mike Watkinson said. "Last season, we were exposed when key bowlers sustained lengthy injuries all at the same time. And with Saj (Mahmood) pushing for England honours next season and Jimmy (Anderson) on a central contract, it was important we added experience to our bowling ranks during the winter."

Peter Moores, the Lancashire coach, said Powell's genuine pace would "complement our existing bowling unit". "Next season we will be playing a lot of cricket, even more than this season, so we needed to strengthen our bowling options to ensure we remain not only competitive, but are challenging for silverware."

Powell, 31, played 37 Tests for West Indies between 2002 and 2009 and represented Hampshire in 2007. "I'm very excited to be joining Lancashire; they are a big club and from what I hear, have big ambitions," Powell said. "I did have other county opportunities but I've always enjoyed playing at Old Trafford and believe I can make a real contribution to the team over the next couple of years."