LONDON, Aug 2: English cricket county Kent bolstered their ranks by signing Sri Lanka paceman Lasith Malinga on a short-term contract. Famed for his distinctive action, the 23-year-old will play in the Twenty20 finals on Saturday, Kent director of coaching Simon Willis said.

Malinga, who took four wickets in four balls against South Africa, signed a three-week deal and is the fifth Sri Lankan to play county cricket in 2007. He replaces South African Andrew Hall, who has international commitments.—PPI