Tudor seals permanent Surrey return

Alex Tudor played three first class games on his loan return to Surrey last season

Surrey have re-signed fast bowler Alex Tudor on a one-year deal as they seek immediate promotion to the top flight of the LV County Championship.

Tudor, 31, launched his career at the Brit Oval, spending almost a decade there before departing for an injury-hit time at Essex.

Essex released the former England quick bowler for a spell at Surrey towards the end of last season, as they sought to avoid relegation from Division One of the championship.

Tudor took five wickets in three championship matches for Surrey - enough to earn him the chance to salvage what appeared to a promising career until injuries took their toll.

Tudor said: “I’m absolutely chuffed to be back at Surrey. I’ve spent nine years at the club in the past and it’s good to be back home and fighting fit again.

“Last season an opportunity to play some first team cricket came up at the Brit Oval and I’m really pleased that my performances then have now earned me a new contract for 2009.

“I’m looking forward to trying to win a place in Surrey’s first XI and then push on and do as well as I possibly can for the team.”

Tudor played 10 Tests for England between 1998 and 2002, and also three one-day internationals.

He was initially successful with the ball, taking match figures of 5-108 against Australia in an Ashes Test at Perth in 1998.

Tudor followed that up with 5-44 in the Trent Bridge Test against Australia in 2001. In all, Tudor averaged 34 with the ball and 19 with the bat for England in Tests.

His most famous innings was 99 not out as nightwatchman to help England win the first Test against New Zealand at Edgbaston in 1999 by seven wickets.

Tudor's undoubted skill with the bat should add useful depth to Surrey's batting order in 2009

In first-class cricket, Tudor currently has 347 scalps at an average of 31 as well as an impressive batting average of 22.

To further emphasise his proficiency with the bat, he boasts a highest first-class knock of 144 against Derbyshire, again scored after he came in as a nightwatchman.

He was released by Surrey in 2004, after a series of knee and back problems.

Tudor was snapped up by Essex, but opportunities were limited throughout his four years there.

He played just six first-class matches for Essex in 2008, taking nine wickets, before being loaned back to Surrey.

Gus Mackay, Surrey managing director, added: “We are all committed to producing a strong and balanced team to take to the field for Surrey in 2009.

“The addition of Alex Tudor brings depth and quality to the side in the one-day, first-class and Twenty20 arenas.

“Alongside the five young players who have recently signed new contracts, I expect Alex to play a key role in helping lay down firm foundations to bring domestic success back to the Brit Oval over the coming years.”