Surrey secure Amla signature

Former South Africa batsman Hashim Amla has agreed to sign for Surrey on a two-year Kolpak contract. The 36-year-old, who scored 9,282 runs in 124 matches for the Proteas to become the nation’s second-highest Test run-scorer, retired from playing internationals in August. Amla will now link up with fellow compatriot and former South Africa team-mate Morne Morkel with the 2018 County Championship winners, who he has made 14 appearances for in two previous spells in 2013 and 2014 respectively. Speaking about the decision to move to the Oval, where he scored an unbeaten Test triple hundred against England in 2012, Amla said on the club’s website: “Surrey are one of the most established and accomplished cricket clubs in the world and I am very excited to be joining them again while also not forgetting the opportunity to play alongside my good friend Morne Morkel again. “I was part of the Surrey team in 2013 and 2014 and thoroughly enjoyed myself during those stints, so to rekindle that relationship for a longer period is something that excites me. I’m really looking forward to working with Alec Stewart and the rest of his team.” Director of Cricket Alec Stewart added: “With several of our players now in or around the international setup, the opportunity to bring Hashim back to Surrey was too good to ignore. “His record speaks for itself and we know from his previous spells here that he will be an excellent resource for all of our players to learn from both on and off the field.” The news comes a day after England international Reece Topley signed a two-year white-ball contract with the county.