Surrey fast bowler, James Ormond, has been rewarded for his dedicated fitness work throughout the winter with a one year contract that will keep him at the Brit Insurance Oval until 2009.

Ormond joined Surrey in 2002 on the back of fantastic form for Leicestershire that saw him selected for two Test Matches against Australia in 2001. Although he remained a dominant force in domestic cricket in the years that followed, the tall, strong fast bowler has in the last two seasons been plagued with injuries that have been linked to his lack of fitness.

In an agreement with the Surrey management at the end of the 2007 season, Ormond returned to the Brit Insurance Oval for this year’s pre-season out of contract with the Club. It was on the proviso that if the talented fast bowler proved his fitness during the opening matches this year, he would be offered a deal to join the professional squad officially.

Butcher commented: “I am very pleased that Jimmy has worked so hard to turn his career around. He is looking like the bowler he was three years ago before his injury problems, which is great news for the Club.”

Ormond added: “I am obviously really pleased to get a contract after putting in a lot of hard work during the winter. I’d also like to thank our backroom staff for their efforts in getting me fit and ready for another season.”

A full interview with James Ormond can be seen by visiting www.surreycricket.tv.

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