BLACKCAPS veteran has joined English county Lancashire on a short-term deal.
The 34-year-old will fill the overseas spot vacated by Brad Hodge, who is due to link up with Australia A at the end of June.
Astle, who has previously played for Durham and Nottinghamshire, has scored 4,650 runs in 79 Tests and also played 212 one-day internationals.
Astle said in a statement on the county‘s official website: "Lancashire are a big club with ambitions to match and I want to help them win trophies.
"I know they have top-class facilities and back-up, and I'm looking forward to playing on a great Test match ground like Old Trafford."
Astle has also played county cricket for Durham and Nottinghamshire, and follows former international team-mate in signing for the red rose county.
The State Canterbury Wizard heads to England at the same time BLACKCAPS colleague joins rivals Worcestershire on a similar deal, to cover for Australia’s Phil Jaques.
