Mahela Jayawardene: Sussex sign Sri Lanka batsman for T20 Blast

Mahela Jayawardene has scored two Twenty20 centuries and 26 half-centuries

Sussex have signed veteran Sri Lanka batsman Mahela Jayawardene for the first half of their T20 Blast campaign.

The 37-year-old, who has played 149 Tests, will be available for Sussex's first seven matches of the tournament.

Jayawardene has scored 4,051 runs at an average of 28.73 in 170 Twenty20 games, including 55 at international level.

"His record and his reputation is second to none. He will also bring his leadership and experience," Sussex manager Mark Robinson 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 is currently playing for Sri Lanka at the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

The Colombo-born right-hander has scored more than 11,000 runs in both Test matches and one-day internationals.