LANCASHIRE have signed Muttiah Muralitharan for the next two seasons.

Chairman Jack Simmons announced at today's NatWest Trophy quarter final against Yorkshire that the Sri Lankan spin wizzard has agreed to return to Old Trafford in 2000 and 2001.

Lancashire do not know yet exactly how much of each season Murali will be available for with Sri Lanka planning a series against South Africa late next summer.

But a delighted Simmons said: "This is a tremendous signing for the club. Murali is a world class bowler and I hope he will become as much a Lancastrian as Farokh Engineer, Clive Lloyd and Wasim Akram.

"I know we have got the best overseas player for the next two seasons."

Murali said: "I have thoroughly enjoyed my short spell here since the World Cup and I am delighted to be coming back next year. The lads have been great and I am really hoping to be available for much longer and to win something for Lancashire."

Although Murali will miss Lancashire's last five Championship matches because of Sri Lanka's one day series against India and Australia, he has almost single handedly hauled the team up the championship table with 55 wickets from ten innings.

Coach Dav Whatmore was instrumental in bringing Murali to Old Trafford and there had been fears that Whatmore's departure to take over the Sri Lanka team would jeopardise Lancashire's chances of re-signing the off spinner.

But Murali recently revealed that Whatmore was keen for him and several other Sri Lankan players to gain experience in county cricket.

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