Sri Lanka's Lasith Malinga will join Middlesex for the Twenty20 campaign

The north London outfit have signed the Sri Lankan paceman

Middlesex have announced the signing of Sri Lanka international Lasith Malinga for the Twenty20 campaign.

The fast bowler’s international commitments mean that he will be unavailable for Middlesex’s opening three T20 matches but he will spearhead the club’s attack in its final seven games.

His first appearance for the club is due to be against Essex at Lord’s on June 21.

“We are all naturally thrilled about the prospect of a player of Lasith’s talent coming to the club,” Director of Cricket Angus Fraser said.

“In t20 cricket every county is looking for a bowler that provides their attack with variety, the ability to bowl during Powerplays and at the death, basically something different from the norm and in Lasith we will have the best in the world.

“In 2011 we had a disappointing t20 campaign and we are looking for the players to react positively and improve on last season’s performances this summer.

“The addition of Lasith can only help us achieve this goal.”

The Sri Lankan is currently playing for Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League where he is currently the tournament’s top wicket-taker with 20 scalps.

In t20 cricket the 28 year-old has currently taken 151 wickets at an average of 16.4 in 108 matches. Amazingly, he has only conceded 6.53 runs per over.