Samaraweera signs with Worcestershire

Worcestershire have signed Sri Lanka middle-order batsman Thilan Samaraweera for the 2013 county season. Since his Test debut in 2001, he has gone on to play 81 Tests for Sri Lanka, the latest being the New Year's Test at the SCG. He has an impressive average of 48.76, though he was less consistent last year than the four years before that.

"Playing county cricket has been one of my long term career ambitions," Samaraweera said in a release issued by the county. "I am extremely grateful to Steve Rhodes and Worcestershire CCC for giving me the opportunity to fulfill this ambition and I look forward to repaying this faith by making significant contributions on the field this season. I can't wait to arrive in April and get started with the boys and pull on the Worcestershire shirt for the first time."

Worcestershire director of cricket Steve Rhodes said: "We have been searching for an overseas batsman once we realised that Phil Hughes was not going to be available. Thilan's record of a batting average of 48 in Test cricket speaks volumes for his ability with the bat. His wealth of experience is a big boost for the squad in general, but particularly our young talented batsmen who will benefit from his wily words of wisdom."