COLCHESTER and East Essex's new overseas star is set to make his PDQ Cars North Essex League debut.

Malintha Gajanayake is to make his bow at Castle Park on Sunday when Colchester face Mistley.

The international schedule has been causing Colchester problems in recent weeks as they have tried to sign a top overseas player for the season.

It deprived them of two players with Test Match experience, after was called up to Sri Lanka's one-day squad for their tour of the West Indies.

Colchester had brought in Mubarak as overseas player for the coming season in place of Malinda Warnapura, who was called into Sri Lanka's Test squad and scored 120 and 63 in the First Test in the Caribbean.

Colchester then went for Mubarak, believing he wouldn't be called up to the national side, but as well as going to the West Indies, he is now likely to be involved in a recently arranged tour of Pakistan, the Asia Cup and tour to India.

Their replacement is another Sri Lankan, Gajanayake, who has played 84 first-class matches in his homeland.

The 27-year-old right-handed batsman and off-spinner has scored more than 3,000 first-class runs and taken 53 wickets at an average of 24.

He is a former captain of the Sri Lanka under-19 side.

Elsewhere in the premier division, Clacton will be hoping they gain their first victory of the season following their nine-wicket drubbing at the hands of Frinton last week.

Last season's division one winners Halstead begin their season with a home game against West Mersea, while Galleywood, who pushed them all the way, begin at home to Great Bromley.