PRINCE Bradman Ediriweera has one of the greatest names in cricket.

Incorporating royalty and the surname of the man considered to be the king of cricketers, it seems inevitable that the Sri Lankan all-rounder was destined to pull on the whites.

But the 30-year-old star is proving his abilities match up to his grand moniker after an encouraging start to the season.

Ediriweera, or Brad as he's known to his friends, has 384 runs to his name, at an average of 76.8 with the bat and has also made his mark with the ball.

And club chairman Dave Westwood said Bradman was just the kind of paid man they were looking for after a disappointing season last year.

He said: "We were approached by his agent and, after looking at his credentials, he seemed to be just what we were after.

"First and foremost, he's a quality cricketer, and he's played in this country for the last eight years or so.

"But we wanted someone who could help to develop our youth section and Brad is an ECB Level 2 coach so he fitted the bill nicely.

"And we've been really pleased with what we've seen so far.

"He got his first ton for us, albeit in a losing cause in the cup, on Sunday, but he's scored consistently."

With Phil Thornton as the paid man at Station Road last term, Whalley finished fifth bottom.

But Westwood is aiming high this season.

"Our ambition is to secure a Lancashire Cup place.

"We lost on Saturday, which saw us slip down the table a bit, but that's our goal.

"Phil (Thornton) did a good job last year but Brad has played first class cricket in Sri Lanka for the past 10 years and has played for Sri Lanka A so he gives us something extra.

"Also, Mark Fallon coming back to us from Greenmount has also made a big difference. And added to that the fact that some of the fringe players have really stepped up then that makes us a force."