Just three years after his last appearance for England, Ian Austin has signed for Bradford League side Cleckheaton, the Telegraph & Argus can reveal.

The larger than life Lancastrian will be the Division One side's captain next summer as they look to improve on a disappointing season.

The 36-year-old all-rounder made the last of nine one-day international appearance for his country in 1999 against Kenya in the World Cup but next season will be performing on the pitches around Bradford.

"We are very pleased indeed to have signed someone of his calibre," said Cleckheaton secretary Bob Speight.

"But we don't want him for his profile, we want him for what he could do for this club over the next few seasons.

"We hope to use him as a magnet to attract other players as well for the start of next season."

Cleckheaton had a disastrous summer, avoiding relegation courtesy of a late-season rule change, but see Austin as a big part of their rebuilding plans.

"We can't expect a top three finish," added Speight. "But we hope Ian can go a long way to helping us build for next year and the coming years."

Austin arrives at the club after making a large impact in the Lancashire League with both his right-arm medium pace and his left-handed batting.