Gloucestershire confirm return of Muttiah Muralitharan

Muralitharan is the highest wicket-taker in both Test cricket and in one-day internationals

Gloucestershire have confirmed that Muttiah Muralitharan will be returning for this year's Twenty20 campaign.

The 39-year-old Sri Lanka spin bowling legend, who joined the county on a two-season contract last year, played in all their 15 FL t20 games, finishing joint top wicket-taker with 12.

"He did a lot for us last year," director of cricket Tom Richardson told BBC Gloucestershire.

"He's not played over the winter. We hope that works well for us," he added.

"What really impressed me last year is that he's got time for everybody. He always gets huge applause and is one of the legends of the game.

"He lifts everybody in the dressing room. The youngsters can learn so much from him, as can everybody.

"He gave a lot, both on and off the field and is a delightful bloke so we're really looking forward to him coming back."

Muralitharan, who has taken a record 800 Test match wickets, said: "I thoroughly enjoyed my first FL t20 season with Gloucestershire and I am looking forward to returning."