South African paceman Mathew Pillans has opted to leave Sunfoil Dolphins in his homeland in favour of joining Surrey on a three-year deal.
Pillans becomes the second South African fast bowler to arrive at the Kia Oval in the space of as many days after the signing of Conor McKerr.
Surrey have moved to bolster their bowling department, which already includes the likes of the Curran brothers, Jade Dernbach, Matt Dunn, Stuart Meaker and Mark Footitt, following the retirements of Chris Tremlett, David Balcombe and Tim Linley.
The 24-year-old Pillans has taken 114 first-class wickets at an average of 23.72 in 31 matches, including a 10-wicket haul for Dolphins against Knights last season.
Pillans, who will play for Surrey on an ancestral visa, will link up with his new team-mates in the next fortnight.
Welcome to Surrey CCC @matwilpil – very much look forward to seeing you soon
— Surrey Cricket (@surreycricket) March 1, 2016
Pillans said: “I’m really excited to join up with Surrey. I know that the club has a fantastic and rich history with amazing players, players who I look forward to learning from and meeting, as well as building new friendships.
“I cannot wait to make the most of this opportunity that Surrey have given me and I am extremely grateful for. I look forward to meeting the squad and staff and getting the season going.”
Surrey director of cricket Alec Stewart added: “Mat is a player that we have been aware of for a length of time and have followed his progress closely.
“We decided to sign him at the end of September and look forward to him joining up with the squad in the coming weeks.
“As I have said before, our bowling resources have been hit by recent retirements and he will add quality and strength to our seam-bowling unit.”
Source: ECB