ACCRINGTON Cricket Club have announced their professional for the new season.

New Zealand international Tama Canning will make a return to the Thorneyholme Road club after substituting for Nathan Astle at the end of the 2000 season and returning for the following campaign.

South African Andre Seymore was in the frame to return to the club but Accrington officials felt that they needed a bowler who could bat after Steve Juliff announced he was stepping down through injury.

Damien Clarke is also doubtful to be fit for the start of the season due to a shoulder injury.

Adelaide-born Canning, whose full name is Tamahau Karangatukituki Canning, has impressed in New Zealand for Auckland.

Accrington chairman Rod Kenyon said the fast-medium paced bowler and right-hand batsman was looking forward to the challenge.

"He's had some good scores and good results in New Zealand, and with Steve stepping down and Damien struggling with injury, we needed a bowler who could bat."

Canning, who turns 26 next Wednesday, is due to arrive on April 15 in preparation for the start of the season.

Meanwhile, Juliff will remain at the club to help coach the bowlers.