SOUTH African Test batsman Alviro Petersen will be returning to Somerset as their overseas player for the 2014 season.

During his spell with the County this summer the 32-year-old who has played in 26 Test matches, appeared in six Championship games in which he scored 562 runs at an average of 46.83, including a century on his debut at the Oval.

In the seven YB40 games that he played Alviro averaged 38.20 while in the FLt20 he appeared in four matches and averaged just over 30 with the bat.

Petersen’s spell with Somerset was interrupted last season when he was called up twice for international duties with South Africa.

But this coming season his home country do not have any commitments during the English season so he is expected to be at the County Ground for the whole of the summer.

The top order batsman, who is married and has a young son, certainly enjoyed his time at the County Ground and before he left inclined that he would be delighted to return at some stage in the future if at all possibl Petersen said: “I am delighted to have signed for Somerset CCC for the 2014 season, and look forward to contributing to the club once more.

“I thoroughly enjoyed my time at the club last year, and the support I received from supporters, players, administrators and coaches was indeed special.

“I’m proud and very happy to be associated with such special people and supporters.”

Dave Nosworthy the director of cricket said: “Bringing Alviro back for the entire 2014 season as our overseas player is indeed good news for the club and we are all delighted that he has committed.

“Alviro is a quality player and a quality person, and we look forward to his contributions both on and off the field.

“Last season Alviro’s tenure was somewhat disrupted by his unexpected recall back into the South African ODI squad – but this coming season we envisage having Alviro around with us for the entire season, apart from a possible short Test Series against Zimbabwe as per the ICC’s Future Tours programme.

“This coming season is important for us and as usual we canvassed and researched player options and balances thoroughly and always in the best interests of the team.

“Ultimately Alviro remained our stand out option and its great news that we'll have a familiar face once again gracing our beloved County Ground.”