Samaraweera signs for Worcestershire

By Paul Bolton, County News Correspondent

Worcestershire have signed veteran Sri Lanka batsman Tilan Samaraweera as their overseas player for the whole of the forthcoming season.

Worcestershire, who were relegated in the County Championship last season, turned their attention to Samaraweera once it became clear that they would not be able to bring Australian Phil Hughes back to New Road.

Hughes enjoyed a successful first season at New Road which helped him secure a return to Australia’s Test side and inclusion in their one-day side for the first time.

Worcestershire were still hopeful that Hughes might be available to play county cricket for seven weeks at the start of the summer but his decision to play in the IPL for the first time scuppered that.

"We have been searching for an overseas batsman once we realised that Phil Hughes was not going to be available,” said Worcestershire director of cricket Steve Rhodes.

“Tilan'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.”

Samaraweera, 36, has played  81 Tests since he made his debut in 2001 and he has also appeared in 53 one-day internationals.

"Playing county cricket has been one of my long term career ambitions," he said. "I am extremely grateful to Steve Rhodes and Worcestershire 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."

Date: 14/02/2013 09:11:00 by Paul Bolton
In: Worcestershire | Today |