Glenn Maxwell and Joe Burns: Lancashire sign Australian duo for 2019

Joe Burns has scored 6,685 first-class runs and plays for Queensland in the Sheffield Shield

Lancashire have signed Australia internationals Glenn Maxwell and Joe Burns for the 2019 county season.

All-rounder Maxwell, 30, will be available for all formats, including up to five County Championship games.

Opener Burns, 29, has played 14 Tests for his country, scoring three centuries at an average of 36.76, and will be available for 10 County Championship games.

The Red Rose will play in Division Two in 2019 following relegation this year.

Maxwell has played 87 one-day internationals and 57 Twenty20 internationals but only seven Tests for Australia, the last of which was against Bangladesh last year.

"I have really enjoyed my spells in England before and I'm determined to put in some match-winning performances for Lancashire in all three formats of the game," said Maxwell, who has previously represented Hampshire, Surrey and Yorkshire.

"I still have aspirations to play Test cricket for Australia so I felt it was important that I play some first-class cricket whilst I'm over in England."

Lancashire director of cricket Paul Allott said Maxwell was "one of the most exciting cricketers in the world."

"As a destructive batsman, an outstanding fielder and an effective off-spin bowler, he is going to play an important role in our side where he'll be able to contribute in all facets of the game," added Allott.

Burns played in the T20 Blast for Glamorgan in 2018 and previously spent time at Leicestershire and Middlesex.

"I am extremely excited to have the opportunity to play for the Red Rose next year," said Burns.

Allott added: "With the Indian Premier League and World Cup next year, it is not easy to find quality players who are available for the majority of the season, so we're delighted to have signed Joe."