English county club Northamptonshire has re-signed Australian Mike Hussey as its overseas professional for next season. The announcement of the Western Australian batsman's return for 2002 comes on the heels of a sensational first year with the county.

By any measure, Hussey's performance in 2001 was a brilliant one. The 26-year old not only became the first batsman in six years to cross the 2000 first-class run barrier in an English first-class season, but also emerged as his team's leading run-scorer in all competitions. Just for good measure, he registered a triple century, two double centuries, three other centuries, and 16 half-centuries at the top of the Steelbacks' order.

Interest in the Western Australian's services from at least two other counties was reportedly high by the end of the northern summer, but Northants quickly completed its negotiations on the new contract. Hussey agreed to terms before flying home last Sunday to Perth, where he is about to embark on a new Australian domestic season.

"We're obviously very pleased that Mike has committed himself to us at such an early stage," said Northamptonshire Chief Executive, Steve Coverdale.

Subject to being free of any commitments with Australia's national team at the time, Hussey will return to Wantage Road in either late March or early April.

© 2001 CricInfo Ltd