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Mendis agrees Hampshire deal

Sri Lanka spinner heading to the Rose Bowl in 2010

Last updated: 17th August 2009

Mendis: county stint

Anyone fortunate enough to witness his mesmeric effect on batsmen in this year's Twenty20 World Cup will eagerly await his arrival in English county cricket.

Rod Bransgrove
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Hampshire have signed Ajantha Mendis as their overseas player for next season.

The Sri Lanka spinner, 24, will replace Imran Tahir, who is hoping to return to the Rose Bowl in 2011.

"Ajantha Mendis is the most exciting new bowler to explode on to the world stage since Shane Warne," said Hampshire chairman Rod Bransgrove.

"Anyone fortunate enough to witness his mesmeric effect on batsmen in this year's Twenty20 World Cup will eagerly await his arrival in English county cricket.

"We are particularly excited that he has decided to join Hampshire, having been courted by a number of counties over the past few months - and he can be assured of a warm welcome from members and supporters of this ambitious club."

Impact

Mendis made his Test debut only last year but already has 39 wickets in eight matches.

"The signature of Ajantha Mendis is very exciting for the county game and for Hampshire cricket in particular," said Hampshire first-team manager Giles White.

"He follows the trend of top-class overseas spinners at the club, and we hope that we can form a long-lasting relationship with both Ajantha and Imran Tahir over the coming years.

"The fact that Ajantha chose Hampshire to be his club ahead of many of the interested parties is testament to the progression the club has made over the last few years and the environment the player's have created."

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