The 31-year-old, widely regarded as one of the best all-rounders in the world, played for the Lightning in last season's competition and was voted as the club's T20 player of the year as they reached the quarter-finals.

Maxwell struck 305 runs, while also taking six wickets and eight catches as Lancashire dominated the group phase, before he missed the side's defeat in last-eight of the competition.

"Last season was one of the best summers of cricket I have ever experienced and I cannot wait to return to Emirates Old Trafford in 2020," Maxwell told the club website.

"We were very unfortunate not to progress further after dominating the North Group and I was so impressed with the talent inside the changing room. I'm very confident we can improve on the quarter-final finish of 2019.

"I have been keeping in touch with the lads ever since I departed in September and I'm already excited to catch up with everyone when I arrive in May."

Maxwell will play in at least the first eight fixtures of Lancashire's campaign, before resuming international duty.

After his exploits for the Red Rose, Maxwell returned to Australia but during the series against Sri Lanka in October 2019, it was announced that he was taking a break from cricket due to mental health concerns.

He has since returned to action, featuring in the recent Big Bash League in Australia, and is set to play for Kings XI Punjab in the upcoming Indian Premier League.

Maxwell was among the highest-priced players at the draft for the inaugural edition of the Hundred, where he will play for London Spirit this summer.

Australian Associated Press