Surrey swoop for Herath

Surrey's attack has been boosted by the signing of Rangana Herath, the Sri Lanka spinner, who has joined the club until the end of the season. He will make his debut for Surrey in their Championship clash against Gloucestershire at Bristol tomorrow, three days after his match-winning eight-wicket haul for Sri Lanka in their series-victory over New Zealand.

Also set to make his Championship debut is Arun Harinath, 22, who has been rewarded for a series of strong second XI performances by being given the number three slot usually occupied by Mark Ramprakash, who fractured his left thumb in Surrey's match against Kent last week.

Herath, 31, has played 18 Tests for Sri Lanka and joins Surrey on the back of a match winning eight wicket haul in the second Test Match against New Zealand in Colombo, spinning his side to victory with 5 for 139 in the final innings.

It is likely that the 22 year old Harinath, a graduate of the Surrey Academy, will bat at three in the side behind openers Jonathan Batty and Michael Brown, who put on 171 for the first wicket in last week's game against Kent at Canterbury.

Stuart Meaker is also expected to retain his place, while Alex Tudor has been added to the squad following impressive form for Surrey seconds.