In a story that seems to resemble more fairy-tale than fact, Brian Lara has signed for a village team in England. The West-Indian batsmen will join the Kent based Lashings side on May 18.

The Lashings club, founded by chance in 1979, has developed into a formidable side, attracting several West Indian Test stars. Ritchie Richardson, Junior Murray and Stuart Williams all play for the club, with Williams scoring 3,000 runs last season. Jimmy Adams will also play for the club this year.

Though it has been clear for some months that Lashings were interested in signing Lara, it seemed likely that the club would have to pay him a small fortune for a handful of matches. Club Chairman David Folb told BBC Radio Five Live however, that Lara will not be paid and is joining the club for fun. He said that Lara wanted to play in England so he could spend more time with his girlfriend.

In January, reports surfaced that Cheshire club Alderley Edge had targeted the star left-hander. The lure of playing with old friends from the West Indies side seems to have been strong for Lara. He will have to leave Lashings on 10 June, returning on 19th August to complete the season.

© CricInfo Ltd.