Sangakkara joins Lancashire

Kumar Sangakkara, who can also keep wicket, will play as a specialist batsman for Lancashire during the 2010 season

Lancashire have signed Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara as their overseas player for the 2010 season.

Subject to registration, the 32-year-old, who boasts a Test average of 55.10, will join up with the club after his international commitments at the ICC World Twenty20 and the proposed Asia Cup.

Sangakkara has been signed as a specialist batsman and follows in the footsteps of Sri Lanka team-mates Muttiah Muralitharan and Sanath Jayasuriya in representing the county.

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.

"Murali always talks fondly of his times at Lancashire so I had no hesitation in accepting the club's kind offer to play for them in the upcoming season."

Lancashire head coach Peter Moores labelled the signing "a real coup" for the club.

He said: "Kumar is hot property at the moment and rightly so. 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."

Lancashire cricket director Mike Watkinson added: "With so much international cricket being played around the world it is difficult to find world-class players who are available for extended periods during our domestic season.

"So I'm delighted we have secured the services of Kumar for the majority of our season and I know he is looking forward to playing for Lancashire.

"Kumar is an excellent batsman, experienced leader and is 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."

Sangakkara is likely to miss the first six weeks of the domestic season due to international commitments, which presents an opportunity for the club to bring in someone as cover.

Watkinson explained: "The first part of the season is full of championship cricket, so myself and Peter (Moores) are looking at our options in terms of cover for Kumar during this period.

"We do have some talented homegrown batsmen in our squad but it's important that we start the season off as strongly as possible and if the right overseas player is available, then that would be an ideal solution."