Luke Procter has signed a three-year deal with Northamptonshire County Cricket Club that will start next year.

Oldham-born Procter joins Northamptonshire from Lancashire, where he has spent the entirety of his career having graduated from Lancashire’s Academy. He earnt his first contract in 2010 and made his mark during that memorable summer for the Red Rose – not least with a knock of 89 against Sussex which included five sixes off Monty Panesar.

The 29-year-old brings with him the experience of playing in a Championship-winning side.  He topped the batting averages for Lancashire when they claimed the title in 2011, the season after making the first of his 66 first-class appearances for the club. 

He enjoyed the most prolific season of his career in 2016, scoring 822 runs with a career-best 137 off Hampshire’s attack, but found opportunities limited last season and came to Wantage Road on loan.  He shone with 82 and 94 in the County’s final Championship match against Leicestershire at Grace Road and has subsequently signed for Northamptonshire to open a fresh chapter in his career.

Commenting on his move, Luke said: “I’m really excited to have the opportunity to play for a club like Northamptonshire. They really impressed me at the end of last season whilst I was on loan and the lads have made me feel really welcome and part of the team.

“I’m eager to impress moving forward so I’m excited to join up with them all this winter, put in some hard work and begin the next chapter of my career.

“I would like to thank Lancashire and the supporters for the past 9 years. I’ve had an incredible time and made some great friends.”

Northamptonshire’s Head Coach, David Ripley, added: “We really wanted to sign a batter that can bat time and build partnerships in red ball cricket. Luke showed in his time with us at the end of the season that he can do that job, averaging 58 and making 3 fifties.

“I am delighted he is joining us, he could have stayed in the squad at Lancs but he is hungry to play more cricket and is willing to move to get the opportunity. He is a more than handy 4^th seamer too and his arrival will really sharpen the competition in the squad for starting places.

“I’d like to thank Glen Chapple and Lancashire for their co-operation”.