Morris signs for Surrey in T20 Blast

Chris Morris, the South Africa allrounder whose exploits helped turn the tables on England in their recent limited-overs series, has agreed to join Surrey for this summer's NatWest T20 Blast competition.

Morris will arrive at Surrey in July as a replacement for the West Indies allrounder Dwayne Bravo, who will be departing for the Caribbean Premier League. He will be available for the final six group matches of the tournament, including four Friday night home fixtures at the Kia Oval.

"I am delighted to have signed for Surrey to play T20 this year," said Morris. "Playing county cricket has always been a big ambition of mine and I am delighted to be playing at the Kia Oval. I look forward to joining up with the boys in July and I hope to contribute towards a successful season for the county."

Alec Stewart, Surrey's director of cricket, added: "Chris is an exciting three-dimensional cricketer with bat, ball and in the field and has shown his match-winning abilities in the recent South Africa v England 50-over and T20 series. He will give us a number of very good options when he joins us in July and everyone at the club looks forward to welcoming him this summer."

Morris made headlines throughout South Africa's home summer, both on and off the field, where he was signed by the Delhi Daredevils for US$1,044,000 to play in this season's IPL.

He made his Test debut against England at Cape Town, scoring 69 in his maiden innings as well as clinging onto two outstanding one-handed catches in the slip cordon.

His most outstanding moment, however, came in the fourth ODI against England at Johannesburg, when he blazed South Africa to a thrilling one-wicket victory with 62 from 38 balls, a victory that enabled them to come from 2-0 down to win the series 3-2.

An NOC certificate was issued by Cricket South Africa this week, allowing Morris to play in England this summer. It will be his first experience in English domestic cricket, coming on the back of experience with the Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League and the Highveld Lions in South Africa.