Middlesex capture Sri Lanka star Malinga

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Middlesex have pulled off a major coup by signing Sri Lanka’s veteran seamer Lasith Malinga for the Twenty20 Cup.

Malinga, who is known for his unorthodox round-arm action, is considered one of the most prolific fast bowlers in limited overs cricket and a master at the t20 game.

The 28-year-old is currently the leading wicket taker in the Indian Premier League.

At the conclusion of the IPL, Malinga will fulfil international commitments with Sri Lanka in their one-day and t20 internationals against Pakistan in early June.

He will therefore miss Middlesex’s first three matches of the Twenty20 Cup against Surrey, Sussex and Hampshire.

But he will then spearhead the attack in the final seven group games of the competition, starting with Essex at Lord’s on 21 June.

Middlesex’s managing director of cricket Angus Fraser said: “We are all naturally thrilled about the prospect of a player of Lasith’s talent coming to the club.

“In t20 cricket, every county is looking for a bowler that provides their attack with variety, the ability to bowl during Powerplays and at the death – basically something different from the norm and in Lasith we will have the best in the world.

“In 2011 we had a disappointing t20 campaign and we are looking for the players to react positively and improve on last season’s performances this summer. The addition of Lasith can only help us achieve this goal.”

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