Murali signs up with Lancs

Muttiah Muralitharan is one of the leading Test wicket-takers in the world © Getty Images

Sri Lanka spinner Muttiah Muralitharan will return to Lancashire as their second overseas player next summer.

Muralitharan, who made his Lancashire debut in 1999, will return to the club for a fourth season to play alongside their other foreign star, Brad Hodge.

“Murali is one of the leading players in world cricket and we're delighted that he will join up with us in 2007,” said cricket manager Mike Watkinson.

“His availability will work around his commitments but he is a player who is able to make a significant impact over part of a season."

This will be Muralitharan’s fourth season with the club.