Aussie spin king Stuart MacGill today put pen to paper on a deal to remain as overseas player with Nottinghamshire for the next two seasons.

Although the leg-spinner always maintained he was keen to return to Trent Bridge, Notts' Director of Cricket Mick Newell is relieved that contract negotiations have now been concluded.

Said Newell: "It¹s terrific news. Stuart showed himself last season to be the best attacking overseas bowler at this club since Richard Hadlee.

"There was a real buzz about the place whenever he came on to bowl, which indicated the interest cricket fans have in watching a world-class leg-spinner at work.

"Though he was in big demand from a number of other counties following his performances last season he's chosen Notts and we're naturally delighted he¹s made that commitment.

"He had a very positive influence on the team and after adopting getting Notts promoted as a huge personal challenge, he played a massive part in achieving it."

MacGill, aged 31, is ranked among the top 20 bowlers in the world and claimed 40 Championship wickets in only six matches for Notts last season.

All-rounder Chris Cairns will be Notts' other overseas player for the 2003 season. The New Zealander is closing in on full fitness after having to pull out of the first year of his two year deal at Trent Bridge with a serious knee injury.

© Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club