Lancs swoop for Test ace Sangakkara (From Chorley Citizen)

Lancs swoop for Test ace Sangakkara

9:09am Tuesday 29th December 2009

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LANCASHIRE have pulled off a real coup by capturing the signature of Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara as overseas player for next season.

The 32-year-old, one of the most consistent performers during his 10 years in the Test arena with an average of more than 55, will arrive at Old Trafford at the conclusion of the ICC T20 World Cup and the Asia Cup, which are due to take place in May.

And the signing has added importance with the introduction of the new Friends Provident T20 competition as Sangakkara is noted as one of the finest short form players in the world.

“Kumar is hot property at the moment and rightly so,” said Lancashire coach Peter Moores. “He is arguably the most consistent batsman in international cricket with an outstanding average in all formats, making his signing a real coup for Lancashire. “Not only will he bring his qualities as a player to the squad but his experience and knowledge will be invaluable. “Kumar has an excellent record in the traditional form of the game, but is also at the fore when it comes to the rapidly evolving Twenty20 format having played in the IPL since its inception.

“In Kumar we have an excellent resource for our younger squad members to tap into as they look to improve and as we continue to build a squad hungry for success.”

Old Trafford director of cricket Mike Watkinson is delighted with the signing and said: “Kumar is an excellent batsman, experienced leader and a proven match winner. “He has all the attributes and qualities we look for when signing an overseas player and is someone we know can make a significant contribution in all three competitions next season.”

Speaking from India, where Sri Lanka have just completed their latest tour, Sangakkara said: “I am thrilled to be joining Lancashire and really looking forward to representing a club and county that has such a long and distinguished cricketing history.”

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