This is a dream come true Henry Olonga Feature: Olonga leaves his mark

The Kent-based side, whose regular stars include former West Indies captains Richie Richardson and Sir Viv Richards, hope Olonga will overcome knee trouble to star in a packed summer schedule.

Olonga retired from international cricket after the World Cup, and said he could not return to Zimbabwe because he feared for his safety.

In the opening match of the tournament, he and Andy Flower issued a statement condemning President Robert Mugabe's government and wore black armbands to mourn "the death of democracy".

Olonga has since been staying at a secret location in South Africa, but campaigns have grown in New Zealand and Australia as well as England to gain him asylum.

The Mail on Sunday reported a work permit was granted to the 26-year-old after representations were made by former Conservative cabinet minister Anne Widdecome.

Olonga told the newspaper the move was "A dream come true".

The Zambia-born bowler was the first black player to represent Zimbabwe, appearing in 30 Tests and 50 one-day internationals.

Lashings boss David Folb told BBC Sport he was also confident that Shane Warne would join the team for the 2003 season, which includes matches against Sussex, Somerset and Kent.

The Australia leg-spinner was banned for 12 months from all international and first-class cricket after testing positive for a banned substance.

"The Australian Cricket Board is meeting on 13 April to decide if he can play for us and I'm fairly sure they're going to do the right thing," Folb said.