Lincolnshire sign Crook and Birch

Lincolnshire CCC have bolstered their ranks ahead of their Minor Counties campaign by snapping up former first-class stars Andrew Crook and Dan Birch.

Former Northamptonshire all-rounder Crook is a familiar face in county circles having shone for Woodhall Spa in the ECB Premier League in recent seasons.

The Australian, who famously removed Nasser Hussain while playing for South Australia during England's Ashes tour of 1998/99, will be available for Lincs' final four Minor Counties Championship games and their one-day campaign.

Meanwhile, left-handed batsman Birch, 29, who was released by Derbyshire last year, is set to figure for the county in one-day cricket and their opening two three-day fixtures.

The signing of Crook ends the county's long-time pursuit of the player.

"I tried to sign him for last season, but we couldn't agree terms," explained Lincs director of cricket Mark Fell.

"He went on to sign for Cambridgeshire but only played two one-day games for them.

"And under Minor Counties rules you're only allowed to play for one minor county per season, so we had to wait until this season before signing him.

"He'll really help the balance of our side with his batting and bowling. We've been on the lookout for a quality spinner for some time, as they can really make a difference.

"His runs will be vital too. It's vital we make 325 in the first innings (the amount required for maximum bonus points in Championship games) on a regular basis.

"We didn't do that enough last season, which cost us dearly on several occasions."

One-day specialist Birch, who describes himself as an "aggressive, big-hitting batsman", will also boost the Imp County's batting order.

"I was quite surprised he was released by Derbyshire," added Fell. "He may have been a victim of the amount of Kolpak players coming into the game."