Lancashire sign Martin Guptill for the NatWest T20 Blast

LANCASHIRE LIGHTNING is delighted to confirm the signing of big-hitting New Zealand batsman Martin Guptill ahead of its defence of the NatWest T20 Blast title.



The 29 year-old will arrive at Emirates Old Trafford once his commitments with the Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League have concluded.



The Auckland-born star has a fearsome reputation with the bat and was the first New Zealander to hit a double century in One-Day Internationals. He is also the current holder of the highest score (237*) in the ICC World Cup and is regarded as one of the world’s best batsmen in T20 cricket.

He is expected to play for Lightning during the first six matches as they bid to become the first county to retain the domestic T20 title before linking up with the New Zealand squad for their tour of South Africa.



Guptill, who has played county cricket for Derbyshire in previous seasons, has featured in 61 T20 Internationals for the Black Caps and has an impressive strike rate of 131.44.



Cricket Director and Head Coach, Ashley Giles, said: “Martin is a formidable batsman, particularly in white ball cricket, and is currently ranked as the world’s third best batsman in T20 cricket.



“He’s currently playing IPL cricket alongside Jos Buttler and will be ready to hit the ground running when he arrives at Emirates Old Trafford.





“He’s got the ability to take games away from the opposition very quickly once he gets going and I’m sure our fans will really enjoy watching him play.”



Guptill, who is looking forward to playing at the world famous Emirates Old Trafford, added: "I am delighted to be heading back to England for another stint of county cricket, particularly for a club with such a rich history as Lancashire.



“I hope I can make a real impact and help with their pursuit for another trophy in white ball cricket."



Season tickets for Lancashire Lightning’s NatWest T20 Blast matches are still available and offer fantastic value for money to watch Steven Croft’s men in action this summer. For just £70 a NatWest T20 Blast season ticket will enable you to watch all seven group games at Emirates Old Trafford – including the famous Roses match against Yorkshire Vikings where the club has already sold 75% of its capacity - where you can experience our Fan Village that offers live music and great entertainment.

Lancashire Lightning’s NatWest T20 Blast Matches in 2016

Saturday 21 May – Derbyshire Falcons

Friday 27 May – Durham Jets

Friday 3 June – Yorkshire Vikings

Friday 10 June – Leicestershire Foxes

Thursday 16 June – Northamptonshire Steelbacks

Friday 24th June – Worcestershire Rapids

Friday 29 July – Birmingham Bears*

*Kia Super League side Lancashire Thunder will play a warm-up game against Loughborough Lightning prior to this fixture at Emirates Old Trafford. The game will start at 1pm and tickets for the Birmingham Bears NatWest T20 Blast fixture will be valid for this game.

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