Lancashire Lightning have signed New Zealand batsman Martin Guptill for the beginning of their defence of the NatWest T20 Blast title.
Guptill will turn out for the Lightning in their first six games of the competition and will arrive at Old Trafford following his commitments with the Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League.
The 29-year-old was the first New Zealand player to hit a double century in a one-day international and is the holder of the highest score in a World Cup after hitting an unbeaten 237 in the quarter-final victory over the West Indies last year.
Lancashire head coach Ashley Giles said: "Martin is a formidable batsman, particularly in white-ball cricket, and is currently ranked as the world's third best batsman in T20 cricket.
"He's got the ability to take games away from the opposition very quickly once he gets going and I'm sure our fans will really enjoy watching him play."
Guptill, who has previously played in England for Derbyshire, added on Lancashire's website: " I hope I can make a real impact and help with their pursuit for another trophy in white-ball cricket."
Source: PA
