Sri Lankan spinner Sachithra Senanayake has arrived at New Road in time to make his Worcestershire debut in tomorrow's LV = County Championship Division One clash with champions Yorkshire.
Senanayake flew into Heathrow at 7.30am today and was then driven to Worcester to begin his early season spell with the county.
The 30-year-old encountered temperatures in sharp contrast to the 87 degrees with a humidity level of 77% he had left behind in Colombo.
Senanayake only finished his cricket commitments back home yesterday.
He was part of the Sinhalese Sports Club side which finished runners-up in the Sri Lankan T20 tournament after playing eight games in 10 days.
Senanayake met up with Worcestershire Director of Cricket Steve Rhodes, skipper Daryl Mitchell and his new team-mates who underwent their final practice session this morning ahead of the meeting with the Tykes.
Then Senanayake, who has played 45 ODIs, 17 T20Is and one Test, settled into what will be his accommodation during his time with the county.
He will be hoping to make an instant impact and has an impressive record in first class cricket with 376 wickets in 71 games with 32 five wicket hauls.
County paceman Jack Shantry is backing Senanayake to be a success at New Road.
He said: "I saw him bowl in the ODI series versus England. I'm aware he has got a fantastic first class average with the ball of 19.
"He's also got a batting average of 20 so he can bat as well.
"There is no doubt that he is a world class performer and I think he will be very successful for Worcestershire."
