SOMERSET will soon be able to call upon the services of the two leading run scorers in the history of the ICC World Twenty20 competition, after securing the signing of Sri Lankan legend, Mahela Jayawardene for this season's NatWest T20 Blast.

The former Sri Lanka captain, who currently holds the record for the most runs scored in the ICC World T20, will play 12 of the 14 group games in this season's competition, joining West Indian superstar, Chris Gayle - who is second on that list - at the Cooper Associates County Ground.

Somerset director of cricket, Matt Maynard said: “Mahela is a batsman of undoubted class who scores his runs all around the wicket.

"When a player of his experience and class becomes available, you have to snap them up.

"He is an experienced international captain and the squad will certainly benefit from having him around the dressing room.

“He is a true professional and will have a major influence both on and off the field for us during the NatWest T20 Blast campaign.

"To have the top two run scorers in the history of the ICC World T20 walking out in to the middle at Taunton is something that I hope the members and supporters will be looking forward to.”

Burnham and Highbridge Weekly News:

SHARKS: Jayawardene in action for Sussex in last season's T20 Blast

The 38-year-old has played in 149 Tests, scoring nearly 12,000 runs at an average of 49.84 with a highest score of 374.

He has featured in 448 ODIs scoring over 12,000 runs with a best of 144 and has also represented his country in 55 T20Is, scoring 1493 runs with a top score of 100.

Jayawardene said: “Somerset is a really good club with a long history and I hope that I can help bring success to the county.

"The club has a tradition of successful overseas players and I will be doing my best to join that illustrious list.”