Murali signs with Lancs

Test cricket's most prolific bowler, Sri Lankan Muttiah Muralitharan has signed with Lancashire, to play for them in the first half of the 2005 English county season.

Murali rejoins the county for his third stint, the first two being in 1999 and 2001. He, however, will not be available for the second half of the season, as a result of his international commitments with Sri Lanka.

Murali's arrival puts serious doubts over the re-signing of West Indian Carl Hooper, as he will have to compete against Australians Stuart Law and Brad Hodge, who after being loyal to Leicestershire is hotly tipped to move.

Posted by Sudeep