Cosgrove averaged over 50 in his previous spell at Glamorgan

Left-handed opening batsman Mark Cosgrove has joined Glamorgan as an overseas player for the start of 2009.

The 24-year-old Australia one-day international averaged more than 50 in his previous Glamorgan spell in 2006.

"I am absolutely thrilled that Mark is joining the team at the start of a really exciting season," said Glamorgan cricket manager Matthew Maynard.

South African opener Herschelle Gibbs is set to take Cosgrove's place for the second half of the Twenty20 campaign.

Although Cosgrove has a British passport, he is classed as an overseas player because of his Australia caps.

Glamorgan also have South African pace bowler Garnett Kruger on their books as a Kolpak player for 2009.

South Australian Cosgrove played three times for the Australia one-day team in 2006, but he has had weight and fitness problems.

"I think he's got something of a point to prove," Maynard told BBC Radio Wales' The Back Page programme.

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"He missed out on selection for the South Australia side... his face doesn't seem to fit [there] at the moment... it'll be good to kind of jump-start his career again.

"He's a prodigious talent... I've yet to see him play so I'm going on the recommendation of senior players and coaches.

"They all tell me he's a terrific talent, he enjoyed his stay in Cardiff [last time] and made a terrific impact on the team."

Not only did I love my time in Cardiff in 2006, I also felt I was playing some of the best cricket I have ever played Mark Cosgrove

Cosgrove says he leapt at the chance to return to Glamorgan as soon as he knew of their interest.

"Not only did I love my time in Cardiff in 2006, I also felt I was playing some of the best cricket I have ever played, and I aim to reproduce that," he said.

"The make-up of the Glamorgan side has changed a little since my previous spell, but I'm flattered that my performances stood out enough for Matthew Maynard and Jamie Dalrymple, the new coach and skipper, to want me back.

"I am determined to score more runs and entertain for as long as Glamorgan want me."

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