Jeevan Mendis says he is looking forward to his arrival at Derbyshire in April and is thankful for getting the opportunity to play county cricket this summer.
Mendis, who will be available for the first half of the 2017 season before the arrival of South Africa leg-spinner Imran Tahir, is currently competing in Sri Lanka for Tamil Union and has enjoyed a successful campaign to date.
He has hit 385 first-class runs at an average of 55, with a top score of 151 not out, and claimed 27 wickets at an average of 25.
The 34-year-old is now looking ahead to his stint with Derbyshire this summer and he can’t wait to get started.
Mendis said: “I am very excited to come and play for Derbyshire. I was so happy that Derbyshire chose me to play in England this season and I hope I’ll get some really good experiences in county cricket.
“I want to come and do my best for Derbyshire and get them to the highest level I can within the time I’m there.
“Derbyshire has some good young and experienced cricketers, so hopefully with both of them together, and with myself joining, we can get up to a good standard and start the year well.
He added: “I’m very busy with Sri Lanka’s domestic season at the minute. As a team, we have been playing well and I have been pleased with how I’ve been playing. I hope I can take this into the season in England with Derbyshire.
“I have been to England four times. It is good for the spinners and for the batsmen and with my wrist spin, I have a lot of varieties with my bowling, so I can’t wait to come and play in England.”
Jeevan concluded: “I have been playing now for more than 10 years so I think I can share my experiences with my teammates, but also take my cricket forward as well.
“I look forward to listening to my teammates’ experiences as well as giving my domestic and international experiences to them.”
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