Leicestershire confirm Sarwan return

Leicetsershire have confirmed Ramnaresh Sarwan will return as their overseas player in 2014. Seam bowler Charlie Shreck has also been signed following his release from Kent.

Sarwan's return is a major boost for Leicestershire who will once again begin a new season with their relevance as a first-class county to justify. Last week they announced a financial lost for 2013 of £66,486.

But Sarwan gives them a senior figure in the dressing room that a new side can be built around. He was appointed four-day captain last season.

Plenty of talented youngsters appear at Grace Road but too many are exposed in a team lacking experience. Poor results have resulted in a dressing room low in morale and a poor environment for young players to develop; many have left the club.

Contracted until the end of 2014, Sarwan was expected back at Grace Road for the new season but his availability was clouded by his return to international fold with West Indies.

He missed a chunk of last season due to the Champions Trophy and only played five County Championship matches. This summer West Indies are scheduled to play both New Zealand and Bangladesh.

But Shreck, 36, has no such concerns and moves to his third county on a one-year deal to extend a career that began properly in 2003. He has taken 432 first-class wickets at 30.70 and will hope to fill the void left by Matthew Hoggard, who retired at the end of last season.

"I am really looking forward to a new challenge at Leicestershire," Shreck said. "The opportunity to play a major role in the bowling attack and lend my experience to an exciting young squad is something that appeals to me and I can't wait to play a part in helping the club move forward."

Leicestershire director of cricket Phil Whitticase added: "It is great to have Charlie on board, he has been a consistent performer over the years and has lots to offer us. He is just the bowler we have been looking for in terms of quality and experience.

"We are also delighted to have Ronnie back, they are the two experienced players we have been looking for. It's positive news for the club."

Leicestershire have also signed Ben Raine, a 22-year-old allrounder who arrived at Grace Road mid-way through last season, and England Under-19 offspinner Rob Sayer on a summer deal.