Railways left-arm spinner Murali Kartik has got a call from English county Lancashire to replace Australian batsman Brad Hodge.

Kartik, who was out of action due to a shoulder injury, is now fit after undergoing an operation in Australia and Lancashire have confirmed on its website that negotiations are on with the Indian tweaker for a short-term contract.

The Indian was approached by the Lancashire authorities as Hodge went on to attend the training camp of the Australian national team.

This would be a great opportunity for Kartik as he would get a sound platform to make his comeback to competitive cricket.

The Delhi-based player had impressed one and all with his sterling performance last season for Lancashire.

In the final two championship matches he played, he became the first overseas player to claim 10 wickets on debut for the club with figures of 10-168 against Essex. He grabbed 16 wickets from the two games.

Kartik, who will turn 30 next month, has taken 24 wickets in the eight Tests he played for India since his debut in 2000. In one-day internationals, he has captured 27 wickets in 30 matches.