Mongia joins Leicestershire

The Indian batsman, Dinesh Mongia, has joined Leicestershire as an overseas replacement for Australia's Brad Hodge, who moved to Lancashire earlier this month.

Mongia, 27, was himself on Lancashire's books this season, where he averaged more than 67 in nine Championship innings, spread over two spells. With a first-class average of 53 and a highest score of 308 not out, he is a worthy replacement for the prolific Hodge, who has since been rewarded with a call-up to the Australian Test squad in India.

"We are delighted to have signed Dinesh Mongia as one of our overseas players in 2005," said Leicestershire's director of cricket, James Whitaker. "Dinesh is a high-quality player who will offer the team exciting options with both bat and ball. With a very good record and an excellent attitude, we believe that he has the ability to contribute significantly on and off the field in 2005."

Whitaker also confirmed that their second overseas player would be the Australian fast bowler, Mark Cleary, who made an impressive impact last summer.