Australian all-rounder James Faulkner has been re-signed by Lancashire on a two-year T20 contract.

The short-format specialist returns to Lancashire having impressed in his first spell at the club in 2015, where he helped Lightning win their first T20 Blast trophy. He picked up 25 wickets in just 13 games in that campaign, while also notching an impressive 302 runs.

Faulkner holds the record for the fastest century by an Australian batsman in a one-day international, smashing 116 from just 57 balls against India in Bangalore in 2013. He also picked up man of the match in the 2015 World Cup Final over New Zealand, where his 3-36 helped dismiss the opposition for 183.

[caption id=”attachment_57856″ align=”alignnone” width=”1024″] Faulkner had to pull out of joining Lancashire in 2017[/caption]

The 27 year-old had been in line to sign for Lancashire at the beginning of the 2017 season, however injury meant that Australia blocked his move to protect him for forthcoming Australia games.

Faulkner seemed delighted to be back at his old stomping ground. “I’m very excited to come back and work with Glen Chapple and the rest of the squad who are an extremely talented and exciting group of players.

“Emirates Old Trafford is an amazing place to play cricket and I can’t wait to reunite with the squad next summer. I’m determined to win the T20 Blast trophy back for the club.”

[caption id=”attachment_57855″ align=”alignnone” width=”1024″] Chapple relishes the continuity of a two-year deal[/caption]

Glen Chapple was just as happy to have his star man back. “Signing James on a two-year contract gives us some continuity and stability in terms of our T20 overseas player which is what we were looking for so we’re thrilled to bring him back to Emirates Old Trafford.

“He’s a great individual to have in the dressing room and his experience at international level will really benefit the squad.”

Lancashire Lightning begin their T20 Blast campaign against Worcestershire Rapids on July 5, 2018 at Old Trafford.