Cosgrove signs with Glamorgan

	Mark Cosgrove will be turning out for Glamorgan during 2009 © Getty Images

Mark Cosgrove, the South Australia batsman, has signed as Glamorgan's overseas player for 2009. He previously played for the county in 2006 when he averaged over 50 in the County Championship and will be part of the squad throughout the season, except during the Twenty20 Cup when Herschelle Gibbs will take his place.

Cosgrove, who has played three ODIs for Australia, said he was excited about returning to Wales. "As soon as my managers called to say that Glamorgan were interested in having me back I wanted to grab the opportunity with both hands," he told the Glamorgan website. "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.

"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."

The move is a gamble for Glamorgan as Cosgrove has been struggling this season in South Australia, where he has been overlooked for all six Sheffield Shield games in a team that is on the bottom of the table. In the one-day format he has played two of a possible seven matches for an average of 11.50.

However, Glamorgan's director of cricket Matthew Maynard is excited about having him back. "I am absolutely thrilled that Mark is joining the team at the start of a really exciting season for Glamorgan," Maynard said. "Mark had a successful season for us in 2006 and he'll be a great addition to the team this year."