10 October 2004	Sunday	24 Shaban 1425

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RAWALPINDI, Oct 9: Hard hitting Sri Lankan opening batsman Sanath Jayasuriya said Saturday he is hoping to play for Scotland next season.

"It would be a nice experience if the deal comes through because I have never played for any English club," Jayasuriya said.

Cricket authorities in Scotland, which fields a team in the second division of English cricket, said they were in talks to sign the player for the 2005 summer to help them in their third season in the league, reports said.

"I have been so busy at the international level that despite several offers I could not spare time to play in England, but let's hope the deal comes through," said Jayasuriya, one of the top batsmen produced by the Pearl Island.

The 35-year-old has played 330 one-day internationals and 92 Tests for his country and led Sri Lanka until last year.

Another international star India's Rahul Dravid was the first international player to feature for Scotland last year followed by Sridharan Sriram, also from India, who played this season.

"I know cricket is followed very well in Scotland and since a friend told me that he is negotiating a deal for me, I have been looking forward to play there," said Jayasuriya, whose is in Pakistan for a tri-series and two Tests.

Sri Lankan Cricket has reportedly said it had no objection on their players featuring in England if that did not clash with national team's assignments.

"Of course, playing for the country is the top priority and I would first see that playing in UK not clash with Sri Lanka's international assignments," said Jayasuriya.

Reports from England also suggest current skipper Marvan Atapattu and star batsman Mahela Jayawardene were also considered by various clubs in the United Kingdom.

Sri Lanka's world record holder spinner Muttiah Muralitharan has agreed to play for Lancashire county in the early part of the next season.-AFP