NEW signing Alviro Petersen has revealed that he would prefer not to open the batting in Lancashire’s LV= County Championship team next season.

The former South Africa international has played the majority of his Test match career as an opener, although he has batted at three and four during his last two seasons with Somerset.

Petersen, aged 34, has already spoken to cricket director and head coach Ashley Giles about his wish to drop down the order upon his arrival at the club in April to start his two-year Kolpak contract, which has a third year option.

The opening partnership has been a problem area for Lancashire in recent years, with Paul Horton and Luis Reece ending 2014 against the new ball.

“I’ve spoken to Ashley, and I’ve opened for 15 years of my career, so I think it’s time to move a bit further down the order now,” said Petersen, whose experience makes him a leading candidate to be appointed as the club’s new captain.

“Last season and the season before when I played county cricket, I batted three or four, so that’s the position I prefer.

“Hopefully that’s the kind of position I will slot into when I arrive.”

Despite his international retirement, Petersen remains contracted to Cricket South Africa until March, which means he is likely to miss Lancashire’s pre-season tour late in the month.

When he arrives in the North West, he is looking forward to renewing acquaintances with compatriot Ashwell Prince.

“Myself and Ashwell grew up in the same community, so we know each other very well,” said Port Elizabeth-born Petersen.

“The last time we played together was for South Africa in Test cricket. It is a great opportunity for the two of us to really help Lancashire back into Division One.

“It will be good to bat with him and put a few big partnerships together, and I want to help them go one step further in the T20 Blast.

“I am very excited. Lancashire is a great county with fantastic facilities and the players are brilliant. I believe there are some fantastic fans as well, so I can't wait to get going.

“It was a no-brainer. Lancashire is a great challenge. Obviously the first thing is to try and get back into Division One, but ultimately it is about winning trophies. Hopefully I can help Lancashire do that.”