LONDON, Nov 16: Australian batsman Stuart Law has agreed to join Lancashire as their overseas player for 2002.

Manager and coach Mike Watkinson said on Thursday: “He is a world-class player with a proven record in county cricket.”

Law said: “I am delighted to be joining a county with such long traditions.”

The prolific Australian will be best remembered at his new club for scoring three centuries in three days against Lancashire last season when with Essex.

Law played five seasons for Essex and was the county championship’s leading scorer in 1999 but became dissatisfied with the club’s lack of success last season.

His move comes hard on the heels on reports that ex-England batsman and former Lancashire captain John Crawley is in dispute with his club and seeking a move.—Reuters