Leicestershire sign Griffith

Leicestershire have signed Adam Griffith, the Tasmanian fast bowler, as cover for Mohammad Asif, who is away on national duty, for the remainder of the domestic season.

Griffith, 28, was the leading wicket-taker in the 2005-06 Pura Cup season with 45 from nine matches, an aggregate that earned him the state's Player of the Year accolade. Overlooked by Australia's national selectors despite his impressive domestic statistics, Griffith's accomplishments overshadowed the likes of Andy Bichel, Jason Gillespie, Stuart Clark and Michael Kasprowicz.

Tim Boon, Leicestershire's coach, pointed out that Griffith had a point to prove. "Adam still has strong ambitions to play international cricket and believes that the chance to play county cricket gives him the ideal opportunity to strengthen those claims," he told the ECB's website. "He is a bowler of proven calibre, but he is hungry to achieve more success to push himself into the frame for a call-up. All the coaches we have spoken to about Adam gave us the green light to proceed with our interest and his Tasmanian team-mate Michael Di Venuto gave him a glowing endorsement.

"He will be training with us this week before heading back up north to play his final match for St Annes in the Northern League, but the fact that he has made it his business to get to know his new team-mates really demonstrates his determination to perform well here."

Griffith takes over from Asif, who returned home to attend a training camp ahead of Pakistan's forthcoming tour of England. Griffith has been slated to make his Championship debut against Gloucestershire at Grace Road.