Lancashire land Hodge
Brad Hodge © Getty Images
Australian batsman Brad Hodge has agreed to return as a Lancashire overseas player next season - and their only one in 2008.
Lancashire broke with convention by using just one of the two permitted overseas registrations for much of this summer - which they finished as Liverpool Victoria County Championship runners-up and C&G Trophy finalists.
New ECB regulations mean counties will be able to field only one overseas player from 2008 onwards.
Hodge, who has been a huge success in his two years at Old Trafford, said: "I'm delighted to be coming back for two further seasons.
“The squad has an excellent blend of youth and experience and should once again be challenging for honours. Lancashire are a great club to be associated with.”
Lancashire cricket manager Mike Watkinson added: “Brad is a quality player and a valuable member of our squad, and it’s great news that he will return for at least two more seasons.”
Dominic Cork is among those to have signed new contracts
Meanwhile, Dominic Cork, James Anderson, Mal Loye, Glen Chapple, Mark Chilton, Gary Keedy, Sajid Mahmood, Kyle Hogg, Gareth Cross, Steven Croft and Tom Smith have agreed extensions to their current contracts.
Steven Mullaney is added to the senior squad following a successful spell with the Lancashire Academy and his one-year scholarship with Lancashire in 2006, during which he made his first-team debut.
Watkinson said: "The successes of the last season were pretty much built around a talented blend of emerging young players along with more experienced performers.
"With the squad often giving up three to four players to the England team and our flexible approach to the use of overseas players, it's important that we maintain our strength into future seasons.
"It is only natural that the squad felt disappointed at narrowly finishing second in two major competitions.
"However, the lads have great character and spirit and will look to build on the many positives to hopefully go one step further in 2007."
