Somerset Sign Mendis, Pollard To Return For T20

Somerset Sign Mendis, Pollard To Return For T20

Ajantha Mendis has signed for Somerset

©REUTERS/Dinuka Liyanawatte (SRI LANKA - Tags: SPORT CRICKET) Picture Supplied by Action Images

Somerset have confirmed the signing of Sri Lankan off-spinner Ajantha Mendis and the return of Kieron Pollard in Twenty20 cricket for the 2011 season.

Mendis will replace Indian left-arm spinner Murali Kartik in the first part of the season while Pollard, who helped Somerset finish the 2010 ECB Twenty20 Cup as runners-up, is likely to feature for the second half of the 2011 competition.

Mendis, who has played 15 Tests and 46 One-Day Internationals, was due to feature in 2010 for Hampshire before other commitments prevented him from playing.

"I am delighted to be signing for Somerset," Mendis told the club's website (www.somersetcountycc.com).

"Unfortunately I was unable to play county cricket in 2010 due to international commitments, so when the opportunity to play for Somerset arose this season I jumped at the chance.

"The county were one of the strongest last season and with a couple of exciting signings over the winter I hope I can play my part in helping them secure some silverware in 2011."

Meanwhile, the return of hard-hitting all-rounder Pollard will delight Somerset fans, as well as Director of Cricket Brian Rose, who said:

"Kieron has developed into a world class T20 player and was a great loss to us in the final when he got injured, and he was bitterly disappointed that we lost in the way that we did. He is very happy to be coming back to Somerset and we are only too pleased to have him back.

"Kieron went down big time with our supporters and also with our playing staff with the type of cricket that he plays."

Pollard said: "I believe Somerset can win the FPT20 this year and I will be doing my best to make that happen. Getting so close last year and having to leave the park as I did was a real blow to me. I want to help Somerset go all the way in 2011.

"Everyone at the club welcomed me last year and I am really looking forward to bringing my family back to Taunton. The team is close knit and passionate and committed to each other and together we will play some exciting cricket."

© Cricket World 2011