Brooke signs on as Guest at Red Rose

CRICKET CHRIS OSTICK LANCASHIRE have moved to avoid the wicketkeeping problems they had last season by signing Brooke Guest on a summer contract for 2017.

A long-term injury to Alex Davies, along with Jos Buttler’s restricted availability due to his England one-day duties followed by a broken thumb, left head coach Ashley Giles without a recognised keeper.

It meant captain Steven Croft had to stand-in behind the stumps for several Specsavers County Championship matches. Lancashire also drafted in Nottinghamshire’s second team keeper Tom Moores for two loan spells.

Davies is back in the gym and is expected to start the new season having recovered from his second serious knee injury in two years.

But Lancashire will be without Butter until July at the earliest due to the IPL and the Champions Trophy, although they could be without him for most of the season again if he wins back his Test place.

Born in Manchester, Guest, 19, moved to Australia and played one match for their Under-19 side before coming back to England.

He averaged close to 40 in the second XI last season and helped the club win the Second XI One-day Trophy.

Guest, who is playing grade cricket in Australia of the winter but has committed his future to England, said: “I’m really excited to get this opportunity with Lancashire.

“I thoroughly enjoyed my time playing for the Second XI last summer and I’m looking forward to continuing my development with the club next summer.

“Hopefully I can keep contributing in the Second XI and push for a place in the first team.”