Kartik has five years experience with Middlesex and Lancashire

Somerset have signed Indian spinner Murali Kartik as their overseas player for next season.

The 33-year-old has spent the last three seasons with Middlesex, having begun his county career with Lancashire in 2005.

"Somerset have been vying for honours for the last two years," said Kartik. "And I think I probably add a new dimension to their attack."

Kartik has made eight Test appearances and played 37 one-day games for India.

"I love the challenge of playing county cricket and coming out and playing on different sorts of wickets," added the slow left-armer.

"I know it is not an Old Trafford or Lord's wicket, because I've played here before and it is a different challenge to me.

606: DEBATE Should add an extra dimension to the bowling attack which will come in useful at Taunton Hold em

"As an international spinner when you have been playing for a long time you like to challenge yourself on wickets like that."

The signing of Kartik represents a change in direction for Somerset, who have had batsman Justin Langer as their overseas player since 2006.

"The key for me has been looking at the way our cricket has gone over the last two to three years," said Brian Rose, director of cricket.

"We have come up from Division Two into the first and been very competitive but, in terms of winning the Championship, we need to have really good all-round bowlers.

"We have got two bowlers who can potentially get 50 wickets each and, with Kartik, we have got another who can get 50-60 plus. And, to win Championships, you have to have the depth of bowling."

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