Lancashire sign Chanderpaul and Vilas

(Photo: Getty Images)

By Harvey Burgess

Lancashire have signed former West Indies batsman Shivnarine Chanderpaul and South Africa wicketkeeper Dane Vilas on Kolpak deals.

Chanderpaul will join the county on a one-year deal, while Vilas has signed a two-year contract.

The 42-year-old Chanderpaul, who averages over 50 in Test cricket, played his last match for West Indies against England in 2015. The left-hander has previously played eight first-class matches for Lancashire in 2010 and will play a key part in helping with the county’s younger players.

He retired as the 7th highest-ever run scorer in the long form of the game and behind only Brian Lara for his country.

Vilas, meanwhile, has struggled to make the South Africa XI since the emergence of fellow wicketkeeper Quintin de Kock.

The 31-year-old has six Tests to his name with an average of just over 10. The right-hander has fared significantly better in first-class cricket, however, averaging almost 40 and Lancashire will hope he can replicate this form in the county game.

Lancashire head coach Glen Chapple has moved to strengthen the batting line-up after the departures of Ashwell Prince and Alviro Peterson

Vilas is one of several South Africans who have signed deals to play in England in 2017, joining Kyle Abbott and Rilee Roussouw amongst others.