Kyle Jamieson, the New Zealand fast bowler, has signed a short-term deal for Surrey across formats, and will link up with the club at the conclusion of the World Test Championship final against India later this month.
Jamieson, who has been rested from the ongoing second Test against England after claiming three wickets in the opening match at Lord's, will be available for the Vitality Blast London Derby against Middlesex at The Kia Oval on June 25, and will remain with the squad until their final group game in mid-July.
In that period, he will also be available for Surrey's final two group games in the LV= Insurance County Championship, against Hampshire at the Ageas Bowl from July 4-7 and against Somerset at The Oval from July 11-14. This will be his first time playing in English domestic cricket.
"I'm really excited to get the chance to play some county cricket after the Black Caps tour," Jamieson said. "Originally I didn't think this opportunity would be possible with the schedule this year, but with how things have unfolded it's great to be able to join Surrey and experience both T20 and first-class cricket.
"Playing county cricket is something I've always wanted to do in my career, so to have the chance to do so now is awesome. I've heard a lot of great things about county cricket, particularly T20 Blast nights at The Kia Oval, and can't wait to take up the opportunity with Surrey to continue to learn and grow whilst trying my best to contribute to the teams' success."
Alec Stewart, Surrey CCC Director of Cricket, said: "Kyle is a top quality cricketer and we very much look forward to him joining us when his commitments with New Zealand have finished."
Since making his Test debut against India last year, Jamieson's 6'8" frame has helped him claim 39 wickets from seven matches, at an average of 15.15. He also has a best Test innings of 51 not out, against West Indies in Wellington last December. In his entire first-class career, he has almost equal averages - 21.51 with the ball and 21.13 with the bat.
He proved to be a marquee signing at this year's IPL auction, sparking a bidding war before eventually signing for the Royal Challengers Bangalore for £1.48million, the fourth-highest price ever paid in the competition for an overseas player. His decision to extend his stay in England also puts him in prime position to earn a replacement deal to play in the Hundred, following the withdrawals of several overseas players.
Jamieson's arrival at Surrey comes after Australian Sean Abbott was forced to return home after damaging his hamstring on his debut against Gloucestershire last month. Their other overseas signing, West Indies' fast bowler Kemar Roach, is currently playing against South Africa in the first Test in St Lucia after claiming nine wickets in his final match against Middlesex.