CAISTOR Town CC chairman David Gowshall believes the return of Sahan Wijerathne could project the club back into the Lincolnshire ECB Premier League.

Sri Lankan all-rounder Wijerathne, 27, will arrive in the UK this April for his fourth campaign at Brigg Road.

Having topped the Lincolnshire County League premier division batting chart in 2010 – scoring a record 1,390 runs, at an average of 106.92 – Wijerathne struggled with injury during the 2011 season.

However, Gowshall says the return of his fit-again overseas star could inspire the club to great things in 2012.

He said: "Sahan's skills as a player and coach means that Caistor can really look forward to the coming season with optimism.

"The injury to Sahan midway through last year, which resulted in him missing several key games, left our first XI with a somewhat depleted batting line-up.

"Along with injuries to Harry Boulton and James Parker, that produced a knock-on effect for our second and third teams.

"Having all three fully fit for 2012 will, hopefully, help all three of our Lincolnshire senior teams hit the ground running and fulfil our potential."

Shortly after confirming his return, Wijerathne starred for Badureliya in their three-day Sri Lanka premier league draw against Nonedescripts.

Facing several international players, including Farveez Maharoof and Thilan Thushara, Wijerathne scored 98 and 91 in his two innings.

Despite Wijerathne's failure to convert either score into his third first-class century, CTCC 1st XI captain Liam Wood insists the return shows just how lucky the Wolds club is.

Wood said: "Sahan is a brilliant player, sometimes it is hard to convince people just how good he actually is.

"As a club we can rely on him to do the business most weeks. Whether it is with the bat or the ball, he scores big runs and takes wickets.

"Hopefully, he will have the same impact in 2012. Maybe if he can continue, and the rest of us can chip in more, the club will do well this season."

England's defeat in the third Test against Pakistan yesterday completed a 3-0 series whitewash.