Surrey bring in Smith on loan

Sussex spinner Tom Smith will provide cover for Surrey counterpart Simon King

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Surrey have signed left-arm spinner Tom Smith on a one-month loan from Sussex as injury cover for off-spinner Simon King.

Smith, who goes straight into Surrey’s squad against Essex in the LV= County Championship, replaces King who suffered severe bruising to his foot after being struck by Derbyshire pace bowler Tim Groenewald batting at Whitgift School.

The 21-year-old made his one-day debut for Sussex in 2006, signed as a professional in 2007 and made his championship bow against Lancashire in April.

Surrey professional cricket manager Chris Adams said: “Towards the end of the season having a quality spin bowler in your side becomes even more important as you look to take twenty wickets in a game.

“Sadly, Simon King has been injured and we needed to move quickly to increase our options. Tom is a good young bowler and will give us an added dimension going into some very important games.”

Adams’ Sussex counterpart, Mark Robinson, added: “This is a great opportunity for Tom to get some first team cricket and will help his development as a quality spin bowler.”