LANCASHIRE have confirmed that New Zealander Lou Vincent will replace Brad Hodge as the club's overseas player for the rest of the season.

Australian Hodge has been released from the final year of a two-year contract to enable him to remain at home in Melbourne, where his wife, Meg, is currently recovering from illness.

The 33-year-old batsman spent four years at Old Trafford after signing from Leicestershire ahead of the 2005 season. But his growing reputation has meant that each year has been interrupted by international call-ups.

Hodge played his last game for the Red Rose county against Somerset in the Championship fixture back in April.

He accepted a lucrative five-week deal with the Indian Premier League franchise, the Kolkata Knight Riders, but had to cut that short because he was called up for Australia's tour of the West Indies.

Lancashire chief executive, Jim Cumbes, said: "Brad's wife has been ill for some time. Although she is on the mend, it's important that he be at home in Melbourne during this period of recovery.

"Everyone associated with the club wishes Meg a speedy return to good health, and would like to thank Brad for his invaluable contribution over the past four years."

Hodge is widely seen as one of the best Twenty20 batsmen in world cricket, having scored prolifically for his state, Victoria, Lancashire and less so Australia.

But Vincent, the former New Zealand international who was originally signed on short term cover for the duration of the Twenty20 group stages, has excelled in 20-over cricket.

He will get an immediate chance to celebrate his new contract when the Lightning face Middlesex Crusaders in tonight's televised Twenty20 Cup quarter-final at the Oval.

The 29-year-old opener from Auckland has already hit a majestic 102 not out in a win over Derbyshire at Old Trafford, adding to two half centuries against the same opponents and Nottinghamshire.

Sajid Mahmood has admitted he is still unsure as to whether Twenty20 cricket suits his game, despite taking 12 wickets in 10 North Division games.

Mahmood, the 26-year-old pace bowler, has excelled in this format, and has been one of the main reasons behind Lancashire's progression.

But he said: "It's a bit of a strange one to say: one day you can bowl brilliantly, but the next day you can go for 12-an-over.

"It's a strange game, but obviously I have done all right so far."