Jayawardene delighted with Derbyshire deal

The English season may still be another six months away but Mahela Jayawardene is already looking forward to making his county debut. Jayawardene, the Sri Lanka captain, signed for Derbyshire yesterday as the county ring the changes with a new-look squad which includes Wavell Hinds.

"It's good," he told Cricinfo in Adelaide, as he warmed up for Sri Lanka's tour match here this weekend. "I haven't played before. It's a great opportunity.

"I don't think I will be there for long because of my international commitment. But they're trying to start all over again, Derby, and they've got a few good players coming in. It's going to be good fun and hopefully I can learn something at a different level of cricket."

And he promised to lend new captain Rikki Clarke, who will be joined by former Surrey team-mate Nayan Doshi, the benefit of his experience. "I've played against him a few times and I think he's a very good cricketer.

"Give him the responsibility, he's a young guy and I think he's looking forward to it. It's a good challenge for him as well, so if I can help him in any way it would be great and try to start anew at Derby. A good challenge for me, as well."

Jayawardene will arrive towards the end of April and stay until the middle of July after which he can be replaced by another overseas player.