Murali Kartik has taken over 500 first-class wickets

Indian spinner Murali Kartik has committed himself to Somerset for another year.

Kartik's sparkling form is a major reason for the county's success so far this season.

He told BBC Somerset: "I've agreed to come back because it's been fantastic to play for a side which is hungry and ambitious and wants to do well."

Kartik has taken 31 County Championship wickets in just four games to top the national bowling averages.

He took 3-40 as Somerset crushed Surrey by 94 runs to go top of the CB 40 Group A and, on Tuesday, will be trying to help steer his county to victory over Northamptonshire in their FP t20 quarter-final at Taunton.

I would love to win the Championship because there's a bit of history behind it Indian spinner Murali Kartik

Somerset also lie fourth in the County Championship Division One, having played two matches less than leaders Yorkshire.

Kartik, who will be 34 in September, admits that taking top honours in the domestic four-day game is his personal target for this season.

"I would love to win the Championship because there's a bit of history behind it," he added. "The club has never won that and I feel that is the biggest test.

"You're playing for it day in, day out, especially at Taunton where it's hard work for the bowlers. I think that would be the crowning glory."

Kartik, who has played in eight Tests for India, as well as enjoying spells with Middlesex and Lancashire, agreed to join Somerset in 2009 and will now be staying until September next year.

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