Jayawardene joins Derbyshire - Sport in brief - Evening Standard
       

Jayawardene joins Derbyshire

Derbyshire have signed Sri Lanka captain Mahela Jayawardene as their overseas player for the first half of next summer.

The 30-year-old batsman will join the club before the end of April and will stay until mid-July.

Head of cricket John Morris said: "I knew that he was the right player after I had spoken to him, and I could tell that he has the desire to play county cricket and contribute both experience and flair to Derbyshire's batting line-up."

Derbyshire chairman Don Amott added: "I can't wait to see Mahela - as well as the likes of Rikki Clarke, Nayan Doshi, John Sadler and Wavell Hinds - in action in a Derbyshire shirt.

"I am sure the members and supporters share my excitement."

Jayawardene has a current Test average of 49.84 and led Sri Lanka to the final of the 2007 World Cup.

Following his mid-summer departure, Derbyshire will appoint a second overseas player until the end of next season.

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