Highgate are readying themselves for new challenges after going through last season unbeaten as they cruised to the Division Three championship.

Jake Sharland’s side sealed the title with three games to spare and went on to set a league record points total of 150 – but the skipper knows they are likely to find the going much tougher this year.

To assist their transition to Division Two, Highgate have recruited all-rounder Sandun Dias, a former Sri Lanka Under-23 international, as their overseas player.

Sharland said: “We are really looking forward to testing ourselves in Division Two and we are well aware that the division will be of a considerably higher standard than last summer.

“Sandun has some experience of playing in England before and I am sure he will be a great addition to the club, especially with our blossoming colts section.”

As well as Dias, Highgate have added Dan Tattersall, a fast bowler from Cambridge, to a squad that remains largely unchanged from last year.

Sharland is optimistic that his players – who launch their campaign at home to Indian Gymkhana – will quickly adapt to the newly-introduced league format.

He added: “We believe that the new rules will suit us as we have good depth in our bowling attack and several attacking batsmen who can take advantage of the fielding restrictions.”