Former England cricketing all-rounder, Chris Lewis will come out of retirement to take part in Surrey’s 2008 Twenty20 Cup campaign.

After playing regular premier league Club cricket across the Country, as well as stints with the PCA Masters XI, since retiring from first-class cricket in 2000, Lewis has been earmarked to play a leading role for the Brown Caps in their Twenty20 cup campaign, which begins on 11 June against the Essex Eagles at the Brit Oval.

A genuine all rounder, Lewis started his career with Leicestershire in 1987 but had a stint with Surrey in between playing for Nottinghamshire and returning to Grace Road. In his first of two years at the Brit Oval, he helped the Brown Caps win the Sunday League in 1996 and then in the following year the B&H Trophy before finishing his career with the Foxes.
Surrey Cricket Manager, Alan Butcher commented:

“Lewis has remained extremely fit and could play a vital role in Surrey’s Twenty20 campaign as an all-rounder. Having Chris in the squad is a huge plus especially when you combine the facts of us losing two all rounders from last season. The reports from respected judges of Chris' form for the PCA Masters and the advent of a million pound competition in the IPL (Indian Premiere League) Champions Trophy, he starts to look like the right option for us.”

He added: “IPL has suddenly put domestic Twenty20 on a different level and Surrey would love to be competing against seven of the world's best Twenty20 teams next autumn. I believe Chris Lewis can help us be very competitive in that aim. He ticks boxes on many levels: he's an all rounder who is still a brilliant fielder; he does not require a full time, long term contract as a young kolpak player would and therefore 1st team opportunities will still be available for our young players throughout the season.”

Please visit www.surreycricket.tv to see an exclusive interview with Chris Lewis.

Surrey’s home Twenty20 cup fixtures are as follows:

• Surrey v Essex 11 June (Brit Oval) 5.30pm
• Surrey v Kent 13 June (Brit Oval) 5.30pm
• Surrey v Sussex 15 June (Brit Oval) 2.30pm
• Surrey v Hampshire 18 June (Brit Oval) 5.30pm
• Surrey v Middlesex 27 June (Brit Oval) 5.30pm

Tickets are available by clicking here.

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