Surrey bound: Michael Brown will make a winter move to south London © Getty Images Enlarge

Brown had been tipped to make the move during the closing weeks of the season, but Hampshire were keen to try and keep him at The Rose Bowl. However, the lure of regular one-day cricket alongside a four-day place has secured the deal, even though it means he will be playing second division Championship cricket next year.

"I am very much looking forward to representing Surrey and will endeavour to contribute both on and off the field to the team playing winning cricket in all forms of the game," said Brown.

He enjoyed a solid season in the Championship, scoring 940 runs at 40.86 and finished on a positive note with 93 against Nottinghamshire at Trent Bridge, but struggled to secure a place in the one-day team.

The move to The Oval means a step down in the Championship after Surrey were relegated with a victory, but Brown's signing is the latest rebuilding step by the club.