Mahela Jayawardene has been roped in by Sussex for the first half of the Natwest T20 blast, which gets underway from May 15. Jayawardene, who is currently playing the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, has found some comfort with the county deal after being overlooked for the Indian Premier League.
The veteran batsman, however, will get to play just seven of the 14 matches since the T20 blast coincides with the Caribbean Premier League, which begins June 21. Jayawardene signed a fresh CPL deal with Jamaica Tallawahs last month and his involvement with the side means he will miss the second half of the tournament.
Jayawardene was part of the victorious Sri Lankan side that won the T20 WC last year, following which he retired from T20 internationals. Having played 55 T20s for Sri Lanka, the 37-year-old averages a touch above 31 and possesses a strike-rate of 133.
Sussex manager Mark Robinson was glad to have recruited the Sri Lankan batsman and believed Jayawardene will be a great addition to the team. “We were watching players who didn’t get bid for in the IPL auction, but trying to pick someone is very difficult,” Robinson told ESPNcricinfo. “We have the IPL at the start of our summer and the CPL at the end of the Blast.
“Twenty20 is an important competition to the club with the ability to attract crowds and create extra revenue, which is important. Bringing in hired help is important as supporters want to see our ambition.”
Robinson also said that Jayawardene’s presence will benefit Sussex captain Luke Wright in his leadership skills. “His [Jayawardene] record and his reputation is second to none. He will also bring his leadership and experience,” he said. “I’m sure he will be a huge asset to Luke Wright as the new captain, and the whole squad and coaching staff.
Jayawardene expressed his happiness about being part of a side with a rich cricketing history. Sussex last won the trophy in 2009 and made it to the semis in 2012. “I am really excited about basing myself down at Hove and playing for Sussex during the first half of the summer,” Jayawardene said. “Sussex is a great club with a proud history and I want to help them win the Natwest T20 Blast this year.”
