LANCASHIRE have signed Australian all-rounder James Faulkner.

The 27-year-old has penned a two-year T20 contract with the club and returns to Old Trafford having played a key role in the county's T20 Blast success in 2015.

Faulkner was man of the match in the 2015 World Cup final and has made 94 appearances for his country.

Lancashire head coach Glen Chapple said: “I’m really pleased to have secured the services of James for the next two years in the T20 Blast. He is a world-class cricketer and he played an important role in our success in 2015 when we won the competition.

“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 Old Trafford.

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

Faulkner added: “I’m absolutely delighted to be returning to play for Lancashire Lightning in the T20 Blast for the next two years. I absolutely loved my time with the club in 2015 and finals day at Edgbaston still lives very long in the memory for me.

“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.

“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.”