Symonds t20 coup for Surrey

Kent followers have fond memories of Andrew Symonds, who hit the fastest century in Twenty20 at Maidstone in 2004

Surrey have swooped to sign the former Australia all-rounder Andrew Symonds as their second overseas player for the Friends Provident t20.

The 34-year-old has embarked on a career as a Twenty20 specialist since losing favour with Cricket Australia, and Surrey will become the latest club to benefit.

Symonds is set to join the Lions for the entirety of their Friends Provident t20 campaign, and will make his debut in the home clash against Gloucestershire on June 8.

Speaking from India, where he is currently representing Deccan Chargers in the Indian Premier League, Symonds said: “I have always enjoyed playing in England and I am really looking forward to playing with the Surrey Lions.

“I consider myself lucky to have the opportunity to play this exciting form of tournament cricket in so many different regions and I am sure the English crowds will make the Friends Provident t20 competition one of the best.”

Symonds, born in Birmingham, was a resounding success in his first spell in county cricket with Kent, and went on to become one of the most feared players in one-day international cricket.

After a slow start in Test cricket, he silenced the doubters with 156 in England’s withering defeat in Melbourne in the 2006-07 Ashes.

But persistent disciplinary problems, some concerning alcohol, led to his place coming under question. He was recalled for last year’s World Twenty20, but another misdemeanour was deemed "the final straw" and Symonds was sent packing from the tournament.

Symonds, who appears to have played his last match for Australia, has since returned to domestic cricket with Queensland Bulls and played IPL and Champions League Twenty20 cricket with Deccan.

Surrey professional cricket manager Chris Adams added: “Signing a player with the unique abilities of Andrew Symonds will add a huge ‘x factor’ to our squad in the Friends Provident t20.

“I have watched him take apart some of the best bowlers in the world and am hugely excited to see him exhibit his skills in front of packed houses around the country.”

Surrey are awaiting clarification whether the Board of Control for Cricket in India will permit Piyush Chawla to fulfill his role as lead overseas player following his stint in the IPL and the World Twenty2o.