Nathan Buck: Lancashire sign Leicestershire pace bowler

Nathan Buck has taken 42 Championship wickets in nine Division Two appearances this season

Pace bowler Nathan Buck will leave Leicestershire at the end of the season to join Lancashire.

The 23-year-old's arrival will bolster a bowling attack that will be without Kyle Hogg, who has been forced to retire because of a back injury.

Buck turned down the offer of a three-year contract to stay at Grace Road.

"I had several options on the table but as soon as I knew of Lancashire's interest I had an easy decision to make," he told the club website.

Buck, who represented England Lions earlier in his career, has taken 42 wickets in nine Championship outings this season.

Lancashire's cricket director Mike Watkinson added: "Nathan is performing at a good level now and has the potential to become even better.

"He's been involved in the England system and is highly regarded.

"Given the sad news that we have lost Kyle Hogg, Nathan will bring in some additional quality and depth to our seam bowling unit."

Lancashire are battling against relegation from Division One - they trail Middlesex and Durham by 12 points with two matches left to play, with both of those sides having a game in hand on the Red Rose county.