New Zealand all-rounder James Franklin has pledged to return to Gloucestershire in 2010 as a better player.

The 28-year-old agreed to spend a second season with the county before jetting off to South Africa to represent New Zealand in the ICC Champions Trophy as a replacement for the injured Jacob Oram.

He helped the Black Caps reach the final against Australia, where they were heavily beaten, and also took part in games against Sri Lanka, England and Pakistan.

His call-up was a reward for scoring 900 first-class runs and bagging 31 wickets for Gloucestershire CCC this season, but he insists he has yet to reach his peak.

He said: "I definitely feel I am still improving as a cricketer. I had 18 months on the sidelines with a knee injury before coming back last season at home in New Zealand. If anything, I think my batting improved during that time out of the game.

"This summer I have been really happy with my bowling. I didn't get the amount of wickets I would have liked, but with Steve Kirby and Jon Lewis getting so many it hasn't mattered that much.

"I'm pleased to have all the contract work settled with Gloucestershire and I'm really looking forward to coming back next year.

"I've enjoyed the dressing room this season and we played some pretty good cricket, particularly in the Championship and the Friends Provident Trophy."

Franklin and captain Alex Gidman apart, it was inconsistent batting which ultimately cost Gloucestershire CCC promotion to the top division of the County Championship.

"We already have a very good bowling unit with Jon Lewis, Steve Kirby and myself, plus the likes of Anthony Ireland and Ian Saxelby, so the potential is there to take lots of wickets," said Franklin.

"Our problem has been lack of runs. When we've been able to score big we have won games, so it will be a big focus for next year to post 350 and 400 in our first innings more often.

"If we do that we should win more matches than we lose or draw."

Franklin's return to Gloucestershire next season is still subject to approval from the New Zealand cricket authorities.

He added: "I don't foresee any problem, although it's possible New Zealand will see some reason why I shouldn't come over.

"I have to follow what they say as they are my number one employers, but hopefully it will soon be cleared for me to return."