KENT have signed Sri Lanka pace ace Lasith Malinga to star in Saturday's Twenty20 Cup semi-final at Edgbaston and for three weeks thereafter as locum to South African duo Andrew Hall and Morne Mokel.

Universally known as "The slinger" because of his round-arm style, 23-year-old Malinga is expected in Kent on Thursday in good time to practice and play in this weekend's cup clash with Sussex Sharks in Birmingham.

After landing his fourth and final overseas star of the summer Kent's director of cricket Graham Ford described Malinga as a "top performer" believing his full-length style of quick bowling might just help Spitfires to second city success against Sussex this weekend.

As for Malinga, he said: "I consider this experience to be a great one."

Malinga will undoubtedly be required to play in Sri Lanka's Twenty20 World Championship side in September, meaning Kent will go through the final month of their fixture list with only one overseas professional.