Sehwag and Hodge sign for Leicestershire

Leicestershire have announced that they have signed brilliant young Indian batting star Virender Sehwag as one of their two overseas players for the coming season.

The other is Australian all rounder Brad Hodge from Victoria.

But it is the arrival of 24-year-old Sehwag which will excite Grace Road supporters, and head coach Phil Whitticase said: "We are delighted to have agreed contracts with Virender and Brad.

"Virender is recognised as one of the best young batsmen in world cricket and Brad is on the verge of the Australian side. Both are predominantly top order batsmen, but they are both off spin bowlers and exceptional fielders as well.

"Their all round abilities give us many other options, and I am sure they will both be very popular with the Leicestershire members and public.

"Virender is establishing himself in the Indian Test and One-Day team and is already averaging over 41 in Test cricket and has a strike rate in One-Day internationals of over 98 per 100 balls. He is one of the most exciting players to watch in world cricket.Although he is still a young man I see his experience being invaluable in helping bring on the other young talented players in the Leicestershire side.

"Brad has already experienced County cricket with a short spell last season as the overseas player at Durham. He is recognised in Victorian State cricket as a player who possesses a substantial degree of natural talent.On his day Brad is unquestionably one of the most attractive batsmen in Australian cricket.

"Both players will offer a major contribution in all four domestic competitions, and they can only be beneficial to the club's continuing aim to bring playing success and honours to Grace Road."

Sehwag developed into a star during England's tour of India last winter and is now being compared to his own idol - Sachin Tendulkar.

In the 2001-02 season Sehwag hit a century off 69 balls in a One-Day international against New Zealand.