WORCESTERSHIRE’S extensive search for an international overseas player has finally ended after wrapping up the signing of Sri Lanka’s Dilhara Fernando.

The 29-year-old right-arm quick flies into the country tonight and will make his County debut tomorrow in the Sky televised NatWest Pro40 Division One clash at Hampshire Hawks (12.45pm).

The news of Fernando’s signing comes on the back of Kabir Ali being ruled out for the rest of the season.

With 30-Test cap Fernando arriving, Worcestershire will bid a temporary farewell to Imran Arif, who is set to join as an English-qualified player next term subject to a British passport.

Ever since the New Road club were told that Fidel Edwards would not be able to take up his contract in July, director of cricket Steve Rhodes has been scouring the globe for a replacement and, with only four games in two competitions remaining, Worcestershire have got their man.

“Losing Kabir with a back injury for the rest of the season has played a major part in the decision to bring someone in,” Rhodes said.

“We were left in a difficult position when Fidel Edwards had the knee problem and we have been searching ever since, but Imran came in and did a great job for us in a short period of time.”

With Fernando arriving today, Rhodes has revealed that Kabir will now need careful management along the lines of Simon Jones in the future.

The country’s joint-leading wicket-taker had a stress fracture in his back seven years ago and, while that has not flared up again, there is damage further up the spine.

Rhodes is hopeful the 28-year-old will not need an operation over the winter but said if he had played on this term, he may well have had to go under the knife.

“Basically, if he had bowled any more he may have done further damage which would have been a full aggressive stress fracture,” said Rhodes.

“Fingers crossed, he won’t need an operation and everything should settle down but he might have done if we had bowled him.”

With the England squad being named for the tour to India later today, Rhodes says that Kabir should be fit and available.

With 59 first-class wickets to his name, Kabir has been snubbed throughout this season, but, with a new regime in place, he may well now get his chance.

“We have been told that Kabir should rest for four to five weeks, but he has had two weeks of that already,” said Rhodes.

“He should be fit for selection, so his name should go for selection for the England tour.”

Yesterday’s play in Worcestershire’s LVCC Division Two match with Warwickshire was washed out without a ball being bowled.