LECHLADE have thrown down a major statement of intent ahead of the new West of England Premier League season with the signing of former West Indies international Sylvester Joseph.

Joseph, 35, played in five Tests and 13 ODIs for his country between 2000 and 2005. He made his ODI debut against Pakistan in 2000 and his sheer weight of first-class runs over the next four years culminated with his Test debut in 2004 against England. 

He will once again skipper the Leeward Islands this season before taking up his player-coach role with the Glos/Wilts Division outfit.