HIMLEY have signed one of Sri Lankan domestic cricket's star performers ahead of their 2017 Birmingham League campaign.

Bloomfield Cricket and Athletic Club skipper Nipun Karunanayake is currently the second leading run-scorer in Sri Lanka’s Premier League Tournament (Tier A) in 2016/17.

​This summer his performances have pushed him into the national frame. He has struck 824 runs at 54.93, including a personal batting milestone in six of his eight first-class matches, namely 124 (v Nondescripts), 108 (v Badureliya), 77 (v Sinhalese), 62 (v Tamil Union), 183 (v Galle) and 98 (v Burgher).

The explosive left-handed batsman, who also bowls regular leg-spin at domestic level, has now scored over 2,500 first-class runs with five centuries, alongside 20 wickets at 44.60 with best figures of 3-67.

​The in-form batting all-rounder is now eager to transfer his success abroad with his maiden UK league cricket stint in 2017.

Himley chairman Gordon Lewis is delighted to welcome Karunanayake to the club.

He said: "I haven't seen much of him but he sounds like a top player and it's great to have him here at Himley.

"He recently captained the President's XI against England A in Sri Lanka so hopefully he can be a big player for us.

"Everyone is looking forward to the season now. We will have a young side but hopefully they can continue to progress."

Karunanayake will be led by captain Greg Wright after last season's skipper Ben Smith stepped down due to other commitments.