Surrey swoop for Kartik

Surrey have signed Indian left-arm spinner Murali Kartik for the whole of the 2012 season. Kartik joins on a one-year deal and is available for all three competitions.

Kartik, 35, has enjoyed several spells in county cricket, most recently for Somerset where he played against Surrey in the CB40 final in September. He will add experience to Surrey's squad as they return to Division One of the County Championship.

"I am very happy to be signing for Surrey for next season," said Kartik, who has taken 71 wickets for Somerset at 25.00 in the last two seasons. "Surrey are one of the biggest domestic sides in the world game and I hugely look forward to playing my cricket at an iconic ground like the The Oval."

Kartik will join up with Surrey for pre-season training in the new year and it is hoped his presence will help the development of young spinners Zafar Ansari - who, playing for Oxford University, dismissed Kevin Pietersen in his comeback match in May - Matthew Spreigel and Freddie van den Bergh.

The Surrey team director, Chris Adams, said Kartik would add another dimension to Surrey's bowling attack. "As shown with the signing of Pragyan Ojha for the final part of the 2011 season, a 'mystery' spinner can often make a major difference to the outcome of a campaign. Having someone of Kartik's quality on board for the entirety of next season will be a great boost."

Surrey begin their 2012 season against Sussex at the Oval on April 5.