Malinga signs for Middlesex

The Sri Lankan fast bowler Lasith Malinga has signed for Middlesex to play in the Friends Life t20. His debut will come in the their fourth match of the competition, against Essex at Lord's on 21 June, after featuring in Sri Lanka's one-day and Twenty20 series against Pakistan.

Middlesex's managing director of cricket Angus Fraser said by signing the 28-year-old Malinga, Middlesex "will have the best [bowler] in the world".

Malinga is currently playing for the Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League, where he has taken a competition-leading 20 wickets.

Fraser added: "Every county is looking for a bowler that provides their attack with variety, the ability to bowl during power plays and at the death … something different from the norm."

The T20 competition begins on 12 June. (The Guardian)