Four years after being dumped by South Australia, batsman Mark Cosgrove is returning to the Redbacks.

Cosgrove has quit Tasmania and will rejoin his native state from next summer, citing a desire to be closer to family and friends in Adelaide.

SA axed Cosgrove in 2010 when cricket manager Jamie Cox admitted the Redbacks were unable to help the burly left-hander reach his potential.

Cosgrove then helped Tasmania win two Sheffield Shields.

“He has been part of a very successful team at the Tigers over the last few years … it’s hoped that he can bring some of that experience to the Redbacks,” Cox said in a statement on Wednesday.