Chandana signs for Gloucestershire

Upul Chandana, the Sri Lankan legspinning allrounder, has signed as one of Gloucestershire's overseas players for the coming season.

Chandana, 32, has taken 138 wickets in 133 one-day internationals, and has also played in 13 Tests. Last July he took ten wickets in the match against Australia at Cairns.

Chandana commented: "As one of the first Sri Lankans to be given the opportunity to come over and play county cricket, I am very excited and feel privileged to be playing for Gloucestershire. I feel I can add to all the success that the club has enjoyed in recent years - the one day form of the club has been exceptional - and cannot wait to contribute in any way I can. In a very difficult time for the country, I hope to give some pleasure and show what Sri Lankans can do. I am very much looking forward to the challenge."

And Mark Alleyne, Gloucestershire's player/coach, added: "Upul Chandana represents everything that is good about Sri Lankan cricket. I have had the pleasure of touring there on four occasions, and there is a passion in their cricket that is synonymous with Gloucestershire's cricket. This opportunity to have him in our side is exciting and, as a truly multi-skilled cricketer, we can expect a huge participation from him on the field."