Pietersen agrees Surrey return

Kevin Pietersen played for Surrey twice in the Clydesdale Bank 40 and as much in the LV= County Championship in 2010

Kevin Pietersen will play his county cricket for Surrey next season after signing a contract to return to the county with whom he finished this summer.

The England batsman spent the last three weeks of the season on loan at Surrey, having been left out of England’s squads for the limited-overs series against Pakistan and ending his contract with Hampshire early.

The 30-year-old’s deal, until the end of September 2011, will run concurrently with his ECB central contract. As with other centrally contracted players, his availability to represent Surrey will be governed by the England team management.

Pietersen, who has played 66 Tests, 104 one-day and 28 Twenty20 internationals, said: “I’m delighted to be playing for Surrey next season, as I really enjoyed my time with them at the end of this year.

“I hope I can get some games in over the summer and spend time at this great club, meeting more of the staff and supporters. I look forward to catching up with the guys when I get back from the Ashes.”

Surrey chief executive Paul Sheldon added: “It is a real privilege for Surrey to have signed one of England’s greatest players. When Kevin played for us last season, he was a strong positive influence in the dressing room, especially with our younger players.

“Although there is a packed schedule of international cricket in 2011, I know that whatever contribution he can make to the club will be of immense value.

“Meanwhile, we have sent Kevin and our other England squad players our very best wishes for the Ashes series starting on Thursday.”