Lewis makes Twenty20 return

Chris Lewis © Getty Images

Former England all-rounder Chris Lewis will come out of retirement to play for Surrey in their Twenty20 Cup campaign this summer.

Lewis, 40, retired from first-class cricket in 2000 and was long associated with Leicestershire but did have a stint with Surrey in the late-1990s.

Surrey cricket manager Alan Butcher is confident Lewis remains sufficiently fit for a successful return, on a pay-as-you-play contract.

“Lewis has remained extremely fit and could play a vital role in Surrey’s Twenty20 campaign as an all-rounder,” Butcher predicts.

“Having Chris in the squad is a huge plus, especially when you combine the facts of us losing two all-rounders from last season.”

Surrey are targeting Twenty20, largely because of the opportunity it presents to win £1million in the planned ‘champion of champions’ international tournament in India next September.

“I believe Chris Lewis can help us be very competitive in that aim,” Butcher added.

“He ticks boxes on many levels: he's an all rounder who is still a brilliant fielder; he does not require a full-time, long-term contract as a young kolpak player would - and therefore first-team opportunities will still be available for our young players throughout the season.”