Lancashire Cricket have announced the overseas signing of Australian international leg-spinner Alana King on a multi-format contract.
King, a multiple time Ashes and Cricket World Cup winner, will join Lancashire Thunder from the fourth match of this season’s Women’s Vitality Blast and will be available for the remainder of the T20 competition.
The 29-year-old will also be available for two of Lancashire Women’s matches in the Women’s Metro Bank One-Day Cup against Durham (24 July) and Essex (30 July).
King played a starring role in the recent Women’s Ashes series in Australia and was voted Player of the Series, after taking 23 wickets across all three formats at an average of just 11.
The three-time Ashes winner debuted for Australia Women in all formats within the space of three weeks in 2022, cementing her place and playing an integral part in Australia’s ICC Cricket World Cup winning campaign in New Zealand later that year.
She has since gone on to win further limited overs honours with her country, including Gold at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in England and the 2023 Women’s T20 World Cup in South Africa.
The leg-spinner is also an experienced franchise cricketer, currently representing Perth Scorchers (WBBL), Trent Rockets (The Hundred) and UP Warriorz (WIPL).
King has fond memories of Emirates Old Trafford after becoming the first women to take a hat-trick in The Hundred as she dismissed Cordelia Griffith, Sophie Ecclestone and Kate Cross in successive deliveries as Trent Rockets defeated Manchester Originals at the venue in August 2022.
Speaking about the move, Alana King said: “I am really honoured to be able to represent a great county in Lancashire. When I look at the past great names that have represented the county before me, it truly is a privilege to represent this team.
“I am looking forward to teaming up with Crossy, Sophie, the rest of the Red Rose girls, and driving our charge towards a successful campaign in the Vitality Blast.
“It will be fantastic to play at Emirates Old Trafford, one of the world’s most iconic grounds, and I trust that all the Lancs fans will get out and support us during the tournament.”
