Former Sri Lanka skipper Mahela Jayawardene has joined Somerset for this year’s Twenty20 Blast competition, starting 20th May 2016.

The veteran batsman has scored 1,493 runs in 55 Twenty20 international appearances, will be available to play in 12 of Somerset’s scheduled 14 games.

BREAKING: Mahela Jayawardene is joining Somerset for 12 @NatWestT20Blast matches!#WelcomeMahela pic.twitter.com/kmUBY2rVVL

— Somerset Cricket (@SomersetCCC) March 31, 2016

“When a player of his experience and class becomes available, you have to snap them up,” director of cricket Matt Maynard told the club’s official website.

“Mahela is a batsman of undoubted class who scores his runs all around the wicket. He is a true professional and will have a major influence both on and off the field for us.”

The 38-year-old added, “The club has a tradition of successful overseas players and I will be doing my best to join that illustrious list.”

Jayawardene will join West Indies all-rounder Chris Gayle at the County Ground.

@SomersetCCC Thank you and looking forward to represent a great county. Heard lot of good things from @josbuttler .?

— Mahela Jayawardena (@MahelaJay) March 31, 2016