Faulkner signs new county cricket deal

Australia allrounder James Faulkner will return to Lancashire for next season's T20 Blast campaign.

Faulkner was an integral part of the Lightning squad that won last year's Blast title and is set to return next July.

The 26-year-old won the 2015 World Cup with Australia and has made 80 limited-overs appearances for his country.

Faulkner is likely to be a part of Australia's Champions Trophy squad in England next summer before joining Lancashire for the Blast.

"I'm absolutely delighted to be returning" Faulkner said.

"Finals Day at Edgbaston was one of the best days of my career so hopefully we can replicate the success of 2015 next year."

Lancashire head coach Ashley Giles said added: "He's a world-class cricketer; a true competitor and it'll be great to have him back."