Nel chooses Kolpak deal at Surrey

Andre Nel dismisses Michael Vaughan in last summer's third Test at Edgbaston

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Fast bowler Andre Nel has signed a three-year Kolpak deal with Surrey - bringing an immediate end to his international career with South Africa.

The 31-year-old will join up with the Surrey squad at the Brit Oval when they return from the Pro ARCH Trophy tournament in the United Arab Emirates, which finishes today.

His registration under the Kolpak ruling means he can play alongside New Zealand all-rounder Grant Elliott, Surrey’s overseas player for the first half of the season.

“I am delighted to be joining Surrey as I enter a new phase of my career," said Nel.

"I have had a number of fantastic experiences here in the UK with South Africa, Northamptonshire and Essex and cannot wait to return to join up with Surrey.

“Surrey are a huge club, entering an exciting new era with Chris Adams at the helm.

“I am looking forward to using my experience to work with some of the younger bowlers on the staff and ensure they get back to the top of the English game. I cannot wait to arrive in April and pull on the Surrey shirt for the first game of the season.”

The Transvaal-born paceman leaves the national set-up after eight years, having made his debut against Zimbabwe in 2001. He last played for his country during the tour to England in 2008, in the fourth Test at the Brit Oval.

Nel, renowned for his aggressive style, played 36 Test matches for the Proteas, taking 123 wickets. His one-day record saw him claim 106 wickets in 79 games.

“It is with a heavy heart that I announce my retirement from international cricket,” Nel added.

“Playing for my country for the last eight years was a dream come true for me.

“I would like to thank my captain, Graeme Smith, and my coaches, Mickey Arthur and Vinnie Barnes, and all my Proteas team-mates for their support and guidance.

Nel spent the first half of 2008 as overseas player at Essex

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“I have many happy memories and wish the Proteas the best for the future. I would also like to thank Cricket South Africa and Gerald Majola for the support I have been given.

“To the fans who have supported me, you have made playing at the highest level something very special for me. I am sorry I did not have the chance to say farewell from the field.

“Last, but not least, a special thanks to my two biggest mentors, Ray Jennings and Shaun Pollock. Without your advice and influence I would not have made it as far as I did.”

Cricket South Africa chief executive Gerald Majola and national coach Mickey Arthur both paid tribute to the paceman.

Majola said: “He has been a good servant to South African cricket and I wish him all the best.”

Arthur added: “He is a very passionate player who always gave 110% for his country. I wish him all the best for the future.”

Nel will continue to play first-class cricket with the Lions in South Africa. He was overseas player for Essex in 2005, 2007 and 2008, and also spent the 2003 season at Northamptonshire.

Nel becomes the second new player signed by Surrey cricket manager Adams.

Adams added: “The addition of Andre Nel to the Surrey dressing room underlines the ambition I have for the club. He has proven pace, power and wicket-taking ability and will be a fantastic addition to our pace team.

“As a proven international bowler, Andre will bring aggression on the pitch and experience off it.

“With exciting home developed fast bowlers such as Jade Dernbach and Stuart Meaker also at the club, Surrey will be a force to be reckoned with in 2009 and beyond.”