Surrey CCC sign England fast bowler Plunkett

BY MARCUS HOOK

Surrey have signed England fast bowler Liam Plunkett on a three-year deal. Plunkett, 33, who is a County Championship winner with both Durham (in 2008 and 2009) and Yorkshire (in 2014 and 2015), will join the Oval outfit at the end of the season.

Meanwhile, 27-year-old Surrey fast bowler Mat Pillans – who has lit up this season’s Vitality Blast with 10 wickets at an average of 8.70 – is reported to be heading in the opposite direction.

Speaking after signing his contract, Plunkett said: “I’m excited to be joining Surrey to start the next chapter of my cricketing career. It’s a huge opportunity and I hope to add my experience to a talented playing squad and coaching department to help Surrey win more silverware over the next three years.”

Alec Stewart, Surrey’s director of cricket, added: “When a player of Liam’s ability and experience becomes available it makes perfect sense to sign him. Adding him to our squad gives us great options in all formats and we look forward to seeing him playing for Surrey over the coming years.”

Plunkett has represented his country on 105 occasions, predominantly in the white-ball arena. In first-class cricket, not only has he taken 452 wickets at 31.57 runs apiece, but he also averages 25.14 with the bat.