Anwar Jnr replaces Randiv at Morecambe

Suraj Randiv, left, will not be returning to Morecambe this season.

With Suraj Randiv unavailable as he waits on a potential Sri Lanka call-up to face England in the one-day series, the defending Northern League champions have signed Saeed Anwar Jnr.

The Pakistani all-rounder will bring much-needed experience and stability to Josh Dixon’s side who have had to chop and change their paid man this season.

Visa issues had originally delayed Randiv returning for a second season before the Sri Lankan Cricket Board then requested he stayed at home ahead of possible  international recall.

Randiv last represented his country in November 2014 but after starring for Morecambe he was then the second-leading wicket taker in domestic competition over the winter.

In his absence Morecambe have often turned to Ramsbottom’s paid man Daryn Smit to great success, the South African having hit 152 against Lancaster before a crucial 115 against Barrow last time out.

Left-handed batsman and slow left arm bowler Anwar Jnr, 37, has extensive experience in England including in the Bolton, Lancashire and Central Lancashire Cricket Leagues.

Captain of Khan Research Laboratories in his native Pakistan, he has scored nearly 11,500 first-class runs and taken 137 wickets.

Morecambe are hopeful he will make his first appearance for the club within the next couple of weeks.

Dixon’s men kicked off their Lukey’s Sports Twenty20 campaign with a 67-run at Preston last night, Monday.

A stunning opening stand of 190 between Lewis Edge (96) and Daryn Smit (80) saw the visitors post 194-2 batting first.

Eddy Read then took 3-25 as Preston were dismissed for 127.

The other fixtures in the North 2 group see Morecambe host Preston on Tuesday, June 14, before the games against Lancaster at Lune Road, on June 17, and Woodhill Lane, June 21.