Lyon covers for Hastings with Worcestershire

Worcestershire have signed Nathan Lyon, the Australia offspinner, as a replacement overseas player to cover for John Hastings during the Champions Trophy.

Lyon, who is Australia's most successful finger-spinner with 247 wickets from 67 Tests, will also provide a frontline spin option in the absence of Moeen Ali who will be with England.

"If you look at top international bowlers who are available while the Champions Trophy is going on - plus those with West Indies and Afghanistan - you don't seem to see many who are available," Steve Rhodes, the Worcestershire director of cricket, said.

"Nathan has never played county cricket and I really try to get overseas players who are looking for a challenge and are hungry to succeed. He is a great competitor and to get someone like Nathan is really important for Worcestershire."

Rhodes also sees Lyon playing an important role with Worcestershire's young spinners. "Nathan is also a very committed dressing room man and our young spinners like George Rhodes and Ben Twohig will have the opportunities to pick his brains over that period. That will be fantastic for them and a big boost to those two players."