GREAT Harwood have signed exciting West Indies Test star Dwayne Smith for the new Ribblesdale League season.

The 22-year-old is one of the most highly thought of young players in the current West Indies team.

Great Harwood chairman Terry Case said: "We are obviously delighted to have signed Dwayne for the season.

"He is a highly talented player with a reputation for hitting the ball very hard which, with our renowed amateur batting line-up, should make us one of the most attractive teams in Lancashire to watch this year.

"To have a current West Indian Test player in the side will be a great boost to the whole club, players and supporters alike.

"There have been a number of former Test players in the league over recent years but to have a rising star rather than a fading one, is exciting for all of us."

Smith will replace Andy Crook who has signed for Lancashire after impressing in trials. And the West Indian will hopefully lead Harwood to some silverware this season.

They finished runners up in the Ramsbottom Cup and third in the league last summer.

Smith is the second youngest West Indies cricketer - at 20 years and 359 days - to make a Test debut century.

He did it against South Africa making an unbeaten 105 hitting 15 fours and two sixes in just 135 minutes at the crease.

Captain Brian Lara praised his innings as "one of innocence and youth and abandon."

In his domestic league, Smith plays for Young Men's Progressive Club. He is a right hand bat and a handy medium pace bowler.

He has already played two seasons in the English leagues - for Kington in Birmingham League and Westhoughton in the Bolton League. In his second season at Westhoughton, he amassed 950 runs and 57 wickets.

  • THE GHCC AGM will take place on Tuesday 1 February at 7.30pm in the clubhouse.

Indoor nets start at Moorhead school on Thursday night with juniors from 7-8pm and seniors 8-9pm.

Any players interested in joining the club would be welcome to attend the sessions, which continue until Easter.