Veteran West Indian batsman Shivnarine Chanderpaul has signed a new one-year contract with Lancashire.
The left-hander, whose Test career spanned 21 years, turned 43 during last season but still has the hunger and desire to play on for another year.
He now has 76 first-class centuries to his name and averaged over 50 in Division One of the County Championship last season – helping the Red Rose to a second-placed finish.
It was his second spell at Old Trafford, having represented the club back in 2010, and Chanderpaul is delighted to be staying for another year.
“I’m very excited to return to Lancashire for the 2018 season having thoroughly enjoyed last year’s campaign,” Chanderpaul said.
“The Club is extremely ambitious and there is a group of hugely talented young cricketers in the squad. I’ve really enjoyed playing my part both on the field scoring as many runs as possible, but also as a mentor to some of our younger players.
“Hopefully I can continue to pass on some of my knowledge and experience to them.
“The 2018 season is going to be another exciting one for Lancashire Cricket and hopefully we can have some more success in all competitions under the leadership of Glen Chapple and Mark Chilton.”
Only four men have played in more Tests than Chanderpaul’s tally of 164 and he is the seventh-highest Test match run-scorer of all time.
His vast experience was crucial to Lancashire on a number of occasions last season, helping his side to battle back from tricky positions to pick up vital results.
Lancashire head coach Glen Chapple was keen to keep hold of Chanderpaul and is delighted he has decided to play on for another season.
“I’m really pleased Shiv will be back next season,” Chapple said. “He has been fantastic both on and off the field for us this season and his appetite to score runs is as high as it’s ever been so we’re delighted he’s returning in 2018.
“He brings a vast amount of experience to our young and exciting batting line-up. The influence he has in the changing room is fantastic. He’s a class act and showed that last year with the three centuries he hit.”