Dirk Nannes signs for Surrey

Surrey have signed Australian left-arm paceman Dirk Nannes for the Friends Life t20 this season.

Nannes, 35, has taken in 134 wickets in all Twenty20 cricket, making him the leading wicket taker in the format's history. He replaces fellow Australian Shaun Tait as Surrey's second overseas player in this year's FLt20 after Tait was forced to pull out with a back injury.

Nannes will make his Surrey debut when the FLt20 season gets underway at The Oval on June 2 against the Gloucestershire. Speaking after signing his contract, Nannes said: "I'm really excited to be playing for a big club like the Surrey at such a historic ground.

"I've always enjoyed my time playing in England - and the Friends Life t20 throws up a very different challenge to other competitions around the world. I've now moved to the UK on a full-time basis and hope this is the first of many years for me in the FLt20."

Surrey coach Chris Adams added: "Signing a player of Dirk Nannes' undoubted skill and ability is a great boost to our Friends Life t20 campaign. So far this season we have a 100% record in one-day cricket and securing the leading wicket taker in the history of this format - at such short notice - will give us a great chance in this competition."