Kaif signs with Derbyshire to replace injured Astle

Derbyshire have signed the Indian batsman Mohammad Kaif, 22, as their second overseas player for the current season. Kaif, who has a four-month contract, will replace Shahid Afridi at the end of May, and is expected to make his debut against Glamorgan at Swansea on June 4.

Derbyshire's original choice, the New Zealander Nathan Astle, ruled himself out after undergoing surgery on a tendon tear in his left knee and for a hernia earlier this month.

Kaif played for India in the recent World Cup, and is well-known to English fans, after his combination with Yuvraj Singh in a 121-run sixth-wicket partnership as India successfully chased England's 325 in last year's NatWest Series final at Lord's. Kaif scored an unbeaten 87 in the two-wicket victory.

"He is a top signing. A real quality batsman and wonderful fielder," said Derbyshire's coach Adrian Pierson. "Kaif should provide great value and entertainment for Derbyshire. We are very lucky to have him."