Jayasuriya to play for Worcestershire

Sri Lanka star Sanath Jayasuriya has agreed to play for Worcestershire for part of the English county’s forthcoming Twenty20 campaign.

Jayasuriya will replace Steve Smith at New Road after five matches of the Twenty20 competition as the Australian has been picked for his country’s one-day internationals in England later this year.

The 40-year-old Sri Lankan all-rounder has played 110 Tests, 444 one-day internationals and 30 international Twenty20 matches and Worcestershire director of cricket Steve Rhodes was delighted to snap up such an experienced player.

“Sanath will bring a wealth of experience to the squad during a critical part of the forthcoming campaign,” Rhodes said on Tuesday.

“He has gained this experience from playing all around the world including the IPL and the recent World Twenty20 in the West Indies.

“His left-arm spin and powerful batting can only benefit our efforts in this competition and there is no doubt he is still one of the most exciting cricketers in world cricket.“He is a proven match winner and I have no doubt he will prove to be a great entertainer for our supporters.”

The signing is subject to Jayasuriya obtaining clearance from the Sri Lanka Cricket board and a visa. LONDON, May 25, 2010, AFP