Surrey sign Sean Abbott as overseas player for 2023 season

Surrey have signed seamer Sean Abbott as an overseas player ahead of the 2023 season.

Abbott joins the club after a previous stint in 2021 was cut short due to injury.

The 30-year-old’s contract will run until the end of July, and he will be available for fixtures in both the County Championship and the Vitality Blast.

Surrey begin their Championship campaign against Lancashire at Emirates Old Trafford on April 6, and their T20 season kicks off at Lord’s against Middlesex on  May 25.

Abbot’s first chance to play in front of a home crowd will be on April 13, when Hampshire visit for a four-day fixture.

Surrey will be hoping for a strong start as they look to defend their County Championship title and improve upon last year’s Blast campaign which ended in defeat to Yorkshire at the quarter-final stage.

Abbott said: “It is great to be back on board with Surrey this summer. I can’t wait to get back to The Kia Oval and join the lads and build on such a successful 2022 season”

Director of cricket Alec Stewart said: “I’m looking forward to welcoming Sean back to Surrey. We saw what he could do in his brief spell here in 2021 and I’ve kept in contact with him since, whilst monitoring his performances. His skillset and character will be an asset to our dressing room this season.

“It’s a big blow to lose Jamie Overton with his back injury, as he’s such a valuable asset to the team. He will receive all our support throughout his rehab programme and we look forward to welcoming him back when he’s 100 per cent fit.

“In his absence, Sean will bring his own experience of winning trophies and is very capable with both bat and ball. Sean will add real strength to the group and he has the all the tools necessary to help us as we look to build upon a successful 2022.”

PICTURE: KEITH GILLARD