Dilhara Fernando, the Sri Lanka fast bowler, has joined Worcestershire as a replacement overseas player for the remainder of the season.

Worcestershire have been beset by a string of injuries in recent weeks, but Steve Rhodes, the club's director of cricket, was determined to find an experienced replacement.

"With the loss of Simon Jones, Kabir Ali and Matt Mason I have been looking for a quality overseas replacement as we want to finish the season on a high," Rhodes said. "It does mean we have to de-register Imran Arif who has done a wonderful job for us. Hopefully he will be back with us next season as a qualified player."

Worcestershire are leading Division Two of the Championship, and Fernando is due to fly in on Friday evening and will be available for the county's Pro40 match against Hampshire on Saturday.