Murali heading back to Bristol

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Muttiah Muralitharan was an ever-present in Gloucestershire's Friends Life t20 team in 2011 and, as expected, will return to Bristol this year

Gloucestershire have confirmed Muttiah Muralitharan will again represent the club, in this year’s Friends Life t20.

The legendary Sri Lanka off-spinner, the leading wicket-taker in Test and one-day international cricket, played in all of Gloucestershire’s FLt20 fixtures in 2011 after joining the club exclusively for the shortest format of the game.

Having agreed a two-year deal prior to his arrival at Bristol, Muralitharan will now aim to help the Gladiators, who finished second bottom of the South Group last year, enjoy a stronger campaign.

Gloucestershire director of cricket John Bracewell said: “As a side we are delighted that Murali is returning.

“His experience was invaluable last year, given the shortness of the t20 game and the amount of rain-affected matches we had. We did not see the best of what he can offer.

“I know our players gained a great deal from having Murali in and around our dressing room. His enthusiasm and love for the game, combined with his exceptional skills, are something that will draw any crowd.”

Muralitharan added: “I thoroughly enjoyed my first FLt20 season with Gloucestershire and I am looking forward to returning to the club.”

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