Worcestershire sign Northants paceman David Lucas

Lucas has often been kept out of the Northants team by Chaminda Vaas

Worcestershire have signed experienced left-arm Northants paceman David Lucas on a three-year contract.

Nottingham-born Lucas, 33, started his career with Notts in 1999 and spent a season on Yorkshire's books before joining Northants in 2007.

He took 58 Championship wickets in 2009 and has claimed 23 scalps from his seven appearances this summer.

Nine of those came in the same match, when he bowled Northants to an innings win against Leicestershire in June.

But he has frequently been kept out of Northants' promotion-chasing side by former Worcestershire overseas signing Chaminda Vaas.

"I am delighted and excited to be joining Worcestershire at the end of the 2011 season," said Lucas.

"Worcestershire are a club with a great history who are developing a squad with a good balance of youth and experience.

"I am keen to make an impact and contribution across all forms of the game and look forward to working with the coaches and players over the coming years."

Worcestershire director of cricket Steve Rhodes said: "Dave is the type of quality bowler to complement our attack.

"He has experience, the ability to swing the new ball, as well as good one-day bowling skills.

"He will be an asset to the team and I know he is looking forward to a new start."

Lucas has a career haul of 235 first-class wickets from 83 matches and has claimed 87 one-day scalps, with an economy rate of 5.75 per over.