Jayasuriya to join Somerset

Last updated at 15:06 03 March 2005


Sanath Jayasuriya has agreed a short-term contract with Somerset, as a replacement for Australia captain Ricky Ponting early this summer.

Somerset have recruited destructive left-handed batsman Jayasuriya, because Ponting - set to captain his country in the Ashes against England in the second half of the summer - has been unable to confirm his availability to return to Taunton this year.

The 35-year-old former Sri Lanka captain is expected to be available for five Frizzell County Championship matches as well as some totesport and C&G Trophy fixtures.

Somerset chief executive Peter Anderson said: "This is a very exciting short-term signing.

"His availability has to be ratified by the Sri Lankan cricket board, but we are not anticipating any problems."

Jayasuriya's contract is set to last until the end of May when South Africa captain Graeme Smith is scheduled to take over.

Somerset's other overseas registration this year is set to be taken up by West Indies pace bowler Nixon McLean.

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