Gloucs sign North for 2008

Marcus North will play for Gloucestershire next season

Gloucestershire have announced Australian batsman Marcus North will return to the county next season after signing a contract for 2008.

North deputised for Hamish Marshall while the Kiwi was at the World Cup earlier this year, making his debut for Gloucestershire in the first home game of the 2007 season against Nottinghamshire.

However, 28-year-old North was no stranger to English cricket having previously played for Lancashire, Durham and most recently for Derbyshire.

The left hand batsman and accurate off spinner is the current captain of Western Australia and has also played for Australia A.

North said: “I am extremely proud to return to Gloucestershire for the 2008 season. I thoroughly enjoyed my brief stint there earlier this year and am really looking forward to the opportunity of playing a full season.

“Mark Alleyne has assembled a talented and ambitious squad that looks set for a bright future, and I am grateful for the chance to contribute towards the success of the team next year."

Chief executive Tom Richardson added: “We are delighted that Marcus has signed for next season at such an early stage. He played extremely well during the first part of the season and he significantly strengthens the side."