Cork looks to a rosy future with Lancashire

Dominic Cork, the former England all-rounder, has signed for Lancashire. The club confirmed yesterday that he had signed a three-year contract following his decision to leave Derbyshire.

The 32-year-old Cork, who was released from his Derbyshire contract two years early by mutual consent, last played Test cricket just over a year ago, but is convinced his switch to Old Trafford will benefit both parties.

"I am delighted to be joining Lancashire," he said. "They have had a great season this year, and I feel sure the county will go on to greater things.

"I'm looking forward to working with [Lancashire coach] Mike Watkinson and the rest of the team. I've been impressed with the set-up and I'm confident that it will pay dividends with my game and, I hope, help Lancashire to further success."

Seam and swing bowler Cork, who has 722 first-class wickets to his name in a 13-year career, including 131 in 37 Tests, is joining a county who finished second in the Championship.

Watkinson welcomed his arrival to strengthen a squad which already boasts the talents of the prolific run maker, Australia's Stuart Law, and Cork's fellow England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff, among others.

"I've been very happy with the performance of the team this season," said Watkinson. "However, a player of Dominic's ability will provide additional strength - especially to the bowling department - and I'm pleased that Dominic has agreed to join us at Old Trafford."

Lancashire also said that the scholarship players, Paul Horton and Oliver Newby, signed professional contracts with the club.

Derbyshire's new vice-captain, Luke Sutton, has agreed an extension to his contract which will keep him with the county until the end of 2005. The batsman Hassan Adnan, who impressed in a brief spell with the first team towards the end of last season, has signed a two-year contract.