Muralitharan back with Lancashire

COUNTY: Lancashire have signed Sri Lanka star Muttiah Muralitharan for next season. The 34-year-old off-spinner has had three previous spells with the county in 1999, 2001 and 2005, taking 152 first-class wickets in only 20 games.

Muralitharan, who has 657 victims from 108 Tests, and Australian Brad Hodge will be the club's overseas players. "Murali is one of the leading players in world cricket and we're delighted that he will join up with us in 2007," Lancashire coach Mike Watkinson said.

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