Malinga signs for Middlesex

Middlesex have signed Lasith Malinga, the Sri Lanka fast bowler, as their second overseas player for this season's Friends Life t20. The move, which was first reported by ESPNcricinfo, means one of the world's premier Twenty20 bowlers will be performing in England's domestic competition.

Malinga, 28, currently has the second-highest wickets tally in the 2012 IPL, with 20 from nine appearances for Mumbai Indians. He is due to join up with Middlesex after playing for Sri Lanka in their one-day international and T20I series against Pakistan in June, meaning he will miss the opening three games of the FLt20.

In 106 T20 matches, Malinga has taken 151 wickets at an average of 16.40, with an economy of 6.53 runs per over. He has previously played in England for Kent.

Angus Fraser, Middlesex's director of cricket, said: "We are all naturally thrilled about the prospect of a player of Lasith's talent coming to the club. In T20 cricket every county is looking for a bowler that provides their attack with variety, the ability to bowl during Powerplays and at the death, basically something different from the norm and in Lasith we will have the best in the world.

"In 2011 we had a disappointing T20 campaign and we are looking for the players to react positively and improve on last season's performances this summer. The addition of Lasith can only help us achieve this goal."