Indian batsman Mohammad Kaif has signed a four-month contract with Derbyshire to replace New Zealand batsman Nathan Astle, the English county said on Wednesday.

Kaif will fill the second overseas slot for the county.

Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi, who only signed a two-month contract with Derbyshire, will leave at the end of May and Kaif will probably play his first match on June 4.

Astle, who was contracted to play after Afridi left, ruled himself out after undergoing surgery on a patella tendon tear in his left knee and for a hernia earlier this month.

Kaif, 22, played for India in the recent World Cup in southern Africa and is well-known to English cricket fans, having combined with Yuvraj Singh in a 121-run sixth-wicket partnership to successfully chase England's 325 in the final of a triangular one-day series in 2002.

Kaif scored an unbeaten 87 in the two-wicket victory.

"He is a top signing. A real quality batsman and wonderful fielder," said coach Adrian Pearson in a statement.

"Kaif should provide great value and entertainment for Derbyshire. We are very lucky to have him."

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What do you think about the story? Read what others have to say: Number of User Comments: 11 Sub: Superb opportunity... This is an excellent chance for another Indian player to play in abroad and get some good experience. Their is not doubt about his temparment ... Posted by Nausheer Sub: All the best kaif. It is really a good chance for kaif to play in abroad. He will surely do well there and prove himself as a good batsman ... Posted by govind Sub: Congrats We from the IC wish Kaif a happy and prosperous outing for his County in England. He is a player who starts of slowly and ... Posted by Srinivasan.N Sub: Mohd. Kaif is a very talented batsmen Yeah! it is great to see someone as talented as Mohd. Kaif to play in county cricket for England, this will increase his confidence and ... Posted by Tanvir Sub: hi kaifi hi kafi i m a great fan of urs and i want u to do welll for derbyshire..i would like to see a couple of ... Posted by faisal