Lancashire re-sign Muralitharan for 2007

Muttiah Muralitharan has rejoined Lancashire for 2007 © Getty Images

Muttiah Muralitharan, the Sri Lankan off-spinner, will return to Lancashire as their second overseas player for the 2007 season. He has signed a one-year deal for the county he debuted with in 1999.

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

It will be Muralitharan's fourth season at Lancashire - he has taken 152 wickets with a best of 7 for 39 - and he joins Brad Hodge who recently signed a new two-year deal at the club.

Muralitharan, who has taken 657 Test wickets, second only to Shane Warne, has also represented Kent in the County Championship