Cricket: English import joins Auckland

Auckland say young English import Steven Croft will add some firepower for their 2008/09 cricket campaign.

Croft, a medium fast bowler with ability with the bat, made his debut for Lancashire in 2003 in the one day line-up and has gone on to play for the county in all formats of the game.

The 24-year-old has posted a first class hundred and five half centuries.

"We've heard good reports about Steven, not least from Lou Vincent who's been playing with him at Lancashire," Auckland coach Mark O'Donnell said.

" He's the kind of player that can perform in all three versions of the game and we feel he'll be a very important part of our plans this season."

The season starts on November 10 with Canterbury hosting Auckland in a State championship four-day match at Rangiora.

- NZPA