Franklin fills Glos overseas slot

Franklin was Glamorgan's overseas player in 2006

Gloucestershire have secured New Zealand all-rounder James Franklin as their overseas player for 2009.

It is Franklin's second spell with the club, having played in three County Championship matches in 2004.

The 28-year-old left-arm seamer and left-hand middle-order batsman took 12 wickets at an average of 21 and made 134 runs at an average of 33.5.

Franklin has played 23 Tests and 65 one-day internationals for New Zealand and featured for Glamorgan in 2006.

"I am delighted to have signed with Gloucestershire for the 2009 season. Having spent time with the team in 2004, I know that there is a tremendous passion within the side to win games, " said Franklin.

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I think is a really good signing, relative to our position and budget

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Franklin will join fellow Kiwis Hamish Marshall and Craig Spearman and be reunited with John Bracewell, who quit as the Black Caps coach in November.

"I'm looking forward to linking up with John Bracewell again as I know he will bring out the best in individuals. I'm looking forward to helping Gloucestershire challenge for trophies, " he said.

Bracewell returned the compliment as he looks to try and improve on last year's showing that ended with the side winless at the foot of the Division Two table.

"As a left-arm swinging new ball bowler, who is a genuine all-rounder, James will improve the balance of our squad," he said.

"He is reaching the peak of his form, having had an outstanding domestic season in New Zealand, beginning with a double century and ending with a century for New Zealand A, which got him back in the Test team.

"His bowling is getting stronger again after a patella tendon injury. We expect him to be available to us for the whole of the season, although you can never be sure what international commitments might crop up."

The news is a boost for the club after they missed out on Franklin's countryman Kyle Mills who was snapped up to play Twenty20 cricket in the Indian Premier League.