Kasun Rajitha signs for Essex in a short term deal that will see him turn up for the side in five county championship games.
Kasun Rajitha has joined Essex on a five-match deal for the Rothesay County Championship.
The right-armer has played in 18 Test matches, taking 55 wickets at 29.58. In his most recent game, against Bangladesh in March 2024, he returned a career-high 5 for 56. Rajitha, who stands nearly 6 feet 4 inches tall, will be included in the squad for Essex’s third County Championship game against Worcestershire, which gets underway at Chelmsford on Friday.
Rajitha will be reunited with Chris Silverwood, who was Sri Lanka’s head coach from 2022 to 2024, as a result of the move. Silverwood, who is currently Essex’s director of cricket, believes the 31-year-old’s talent and background will be a great asset to the team’s already potent pace attack. His visit will assist make up for Shardul Thakur’s passing.
“We are delighted to welcome Kasun to Essex and very much look forward to watching him perform in the County Championship,” said Silverwood. “I know his experience and skill set will certainly help strengthen our already superb bowling attack.”
Rajitha added: “It is a really proud moment for me to be joining Essex. I have followed the team over the years, and they have always produced excellent and entertaining first-class cricket.
“I am joining a strong bowling unit and look forward to contributing on the field and helping the team win matches. I would like to thank Chris Silverwood for giving me this opportunity and Sri Lanka Cricket for allowing me to further hone my skills.”