Somerset captain Justin Langer has agreed to remain with the county in 2009.
Although the Australian is committed to playing in the Indian Premier League next season, he has also shaken hands with Somerset director of cricket Brian Rose on a deal to stay with the Cidermen for another year.
Depending on the yet-to-be-decided dates of the IPL, Langer is likely to miss the first few weeks of the season before arriving in Taunton.
"We are hoping to clarify the situation regarding the IPL very soon," Rose told the county's official website.
"I don't expect it to be a problem as far as Justin staying with us is concerned."
Chief executive Richard Gould added: "While we would naturally love to have Justin for the whole season, we understand that he has made a commitment to the Rajasthan Royals (IPL franchise) that he must honour."
Honour
Langer is looking forward to continuing into a third season as Somerset captain, a tenure that has already seen the county transform their fortunes with a return to Division One of the LV County Championship.
"I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here so far," he said.
"I didn't play in the IPL last year because it was very important to me to honour the commitment I had made to Somerset.
"Now it is equally important that I honour the contract I signed with Rajasthan Royals in October.
"It remains to be seen how much of the next IPL season will clash with the season over here, but I wouldn't think there would be much of an overlap."
