White leaves Leics to join Lancs

By Paul Bolton, County News Correspondent

All-rounder Wayne White has joined Lancashire after Leicestershire agreed to release him from his contract at Grace Road.

The 27-year-old has spent four seasons with Leicestershire, who gave him the chance to resurrect his career after he was released by his native Derbyshire at the end of the 2008 season.

White enjoyed his most successful season with the ball last year when he took 43 first-class wickets, which included three five-wicket hauls, and he also contributed 616 runs. But he was dropped for unspecified disciplinary reasons at one stage which was a suggestion that he may not have been happy at Grace Road.

White requested to be released from his contract at the end of the season and Leicestershire have now reluctantly agreed that they would be better off trying not to keep an unsettled player at Grace Road. This has cleared the way for White’s move to Old Trafford.

“While we are disappointed to lose Wayne we only want players at Grace Road who have a real desire to play for the club,” said Leicestershire head coach Phil Whitticase. “We have sufficient quality in the squad to make up for Wayne’s departure, with an excellent group of committed players.”

Leicestershire are likely to use the money they have saved from White’s salary to bolster one of the smallest squads on the county circuit. It might also allow them to recruit a second overseas player for the Friends Life t20, something that budgetary constraints were going to prevent them from doing.

White's capture ends Lancashire's search for someone to boost their fast bowling stocks. Despite's Kabir Ali's arrival before Christmas, they were still one paceman short having lost Ajmal Shahzad and Sajid Mahmood at the end of last season - the latter being released.

Lancashire coach Peter Moores said: "It is great news that Wayne has joined us at a very exciting time for the club both on and off the field. Wayne is a rapidly-emerging cricketer whose passion to improve and win trophies will match that of the rest of the squad.
 
“He will give us the depth we need to compete in all three competitions and create healthy competition within the squad for a position in the first team."

Cricket director Mike Watkinson added: "Wayne will bring additional quality in our seam bowling department, and will also contribute with the bat in the middle order.
 
“At 27 years old he is still an emerging cricketer, which fits well with our strategy going forward. He has had an impressive record with Leicestershire over the past couple of seasons, which suggests there are better things to come.”

Meanwhile, Lancashire are returning to the United Arab Emirates for their pre-season tour in March. The Red Rose county were based in Abu Dhabi last year to take part in the annual champion county fixture after winning the County Championship in 2011.

*Additional reporting by Graham Hardcastle



Date: 25/01/2013 07:00:00 by Paul Bolton
In: Today | Leicestershire | Lancashire |