Surrey County Cricket Club has announced the signing of Usman Afzaal from Northamptonshire, on a three-year contract that will see him play at Surrey until the end of 2010.

Born in Pakistan in 1977, Afzaal started his career with the Nottinghamshire Outlaws in 1995, before moving to Northamptonshire in 2004. On the International front, he was also selected to play for England during the home Ashes series in 2001.

Averaging 56, the left-handed batsman has a particularly strong record at the Brit Oval and in recent times has scored very well against the Brown Caps. Last season in Surrey’s two LV County Championship matches against Northamptonshire, Afzaal scored two centuries including an innings of 142.

Commenting on the signing, Surrey Cricket Manager, Alan Butcher, said: “With some of our top batsmen nearing the end of their careers, it was important for us to acquire a proven and experienced player approaching his prime. I believe Usman to be ambitious, both for himself and for the Club and think that he has vital parts to play as the rebuilding of the team continues.”

Afzaal added, “I want to continue to learn more about myself and my game and feel a new challenge, in a new environment will help me achieve this. To learn from and play with the likes of Alan & Mark Butcher and Mark Ramprakash will be an honour and something I’m looking forward to.

My dream is to play more cricket for England and I see this move to Surrey - where I will be under pressure to prove myself in a quality side - as a stepping stone to being recognised by the English selectors once more.”

Afzaal made his first class debut in 1995 and has played 190 matches scoring 11,129 runs at an average of 37.59. He has also taken 79 first class wickets.

Yesterday, Surrey TV spoke exclusively to Usman. Click here to watch the interview.

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