DURHAM have announced the signing of Sri Lankan international Kumar Sangakkara.

The 36-year-old will play for the reigning LV=County Champions in the upcoming games with Yorkshire and Sussex.

Sangakkara will then link up with his national team as they prepare for the Royal London One Day International series against England, which begins in May.

Sangakkara has represented Sri Lanka on over 500 occasions and averages over 50 with the bat in both test and first class cricket.

Most recently, the left hander scored an unbeaten half-century to help his country win the final of the ICC World T20.

Sangakkara said: "I'm really looking forward to returning to county cricket with Durham and I'm immensely grateful for the opportunity"

"I actually made my debut for Warwickshire against Durham back in 2007 - I scored a few runs that day so I'm hoping to make amends this time around!"

Durham head coach Jon Lewis said: "I said that if we could pull off this signing it would be a big bonus and it is. To attract a player of Kumar Sangakkara's quality to Durham is fantastic, and I've been really impressed by his eagerness to join us."

"In his short stay, I'm sure he'll be a big asset - not just with his performances, but with the example he will show our crop of fine young cricketers"