SEATON Cricket Club have signed West Indian quick bowler Mali Marshall. He made his debut at Tavistock on Saturday, taking two wickets.

Mali is the 31-year-old son of the late Malcolm Marshall, one of the most feared West Indian fast bowlers throughout the 1980s.

Marshall senior took 376 Test match wickets and a further 157 for the West Indies in one-day cricket. He died of cancer aged 41 in November 1999.

Ben Morgan, the Seaton captain, told the Devon League website he had no idea Mali was the son of a famous father until after he had been signed.

"We were looking for a quick bowler who could bat and Mali was recommended to us by an agent," said Morgan.

"It was only later we found out that Mali's father was Malcolm Marshall. He has been self-isolating since he arrived.

Used as a net bowler for West Indies

Mali lives in Barbados and turns out for the Young Men's Progressive Club, where West Indian stars Fidel Edwards and Dwayne Smith have also played.

He has been used as a net bowler by the West Indies at practice sessions.

Although he has never played for a club in the UK, Mali is no stranger to the UK.

"Malcolm Marshall played for Hampshire for years and Mali lived in Southampton while he was growing up until around the age of 10," said Morgan.

Mali was back in the UK more recently to play a supporting role in a Bollywood film due to be released next month.

"The film is called '83' and is a biopic of the 1983 World Cup, which Indian won," said Morgan.

"The movie makers hired real cricketers to play real cricketers, including the sons of some of the players who played in the World Cup. Mali actually plays his own father."

The film is due for release on June 4.