Sri Lanka batsman T.M. Dilshan says he will leave for England on Monday to play English domestic cricket for the first time after signing up with county team Surrey.

Dilshan, who is one of the game’s most innovative top-order batsmen as well as a canny spin bowler, will be available from next week’s NatWest T20 Blast match against Hampshire until the middle of August.

He replaces South Africa captain Hashim Amla, who has been with the Brown Caps on a short-term contract since compatriot Graeme Smith, the Surrey captain, suffered a season-ending knee injury.

Dilshan will miss a brief spell as he joins up with Sri Lanka for a three-match one-day series against South Africa before returning to the Kia Oval.

The 37-year-old, who has never played county cricket before, said: “It’s a fantastic opportunity for me to play for Surrey CCC.

“They are one of the most historic clubs in the world and I very much hope to make a big impact whilst there. I’ve enjoyed playing at the Kia Oval in the past and look forward to returning there with Surrey.”

Alec Stewart, Surrey’s director of cricket, added: “With the very crowded International fixture list, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to sign a high-class overseas cricketer to play in England.

“Therefore, we are very pleased to have been able to secure the services of a player of the calibre of Dilshan. There is a great deal of limited-overs cricket to be played in July and August and it is a big boost to be able to draw on someone with his huge experience and skills.”