Leicestershire set to sign Kaif

Leicestershire have received permission from both the Indian Board and the ECB to sign Mohammad Kaif as their overseas player on a five-day registration this week.

The 21-year-old middle order batsman and off-spinner, is set to play in the Championship game against the leaders Surrey starting at Grace Road on Wednesday, and then against Yorkshire in the Norwich Union League match at Grace Road on Sunday.

Kaif is being signed to fill the gap between the departure of Australian Michael Bevan and the arrival of Indian seamer, Javagal Srinath.

Leicestershire general manager James Whitaker said:"Srinath joins us next week, and will make his debut against Kent in the floodlit Norwich Union League match at Canterbury on Wednesday August 21.

"We investigated the possibility of one of the young Indian players filling in for us this week and the Indian Board have agreed to it. They are keen for Kaif to have some match practice."

Kaif was one of the heroes of India's brilliant victory over England in the NatWest limited overs international final at Lord's last month.

Bevan, who averaged more than 60 in all competitions for Leicestershire this season, was unable to make his farewell appearance in the Norwich Union League game against Durham because of injury.

Before the match Darren Stevens was awarded his county cap, and went onto hit a fine half-century. Stevens, who is set to be part of the England Academy this winter, is having an excellent season in both Championship cricket and the Norwich Union League.