Kumble to join Surrey

Indian leg spinner Anil Kumble has agreed to join Surrey next season, the English county side said on Wednesday.

Kumble, who took 10 wickets to help India to a 188-run Test victory over Sri Lanka on Wednesday, is expected to be available from mid-July after the completion of the test series between India and West Indies in the Caribbean.

Surrey, county champions in 2002 and third in the next two years, were relegated from the first division last season and Kumble should be available for eight of their second division fixtures.

"Anil is recognised as one of the best bowlers in world cricket," said Surrey coach Alan Butcher.

"In

addition, his character and professionalism are also hugely admired. Any coach would welcome these qualities in his dressing room. His presence will be a huge mid-season boost to us next year as we attempt to gain promotion to division one." Kumble, who has previously played English county cricket for Leicestershire and Northants, said: "This is a new chapter in Surrey's history and I want to help them get back on track to being a championship-winning side."

Kumble, 35, is India's leading wicket-taker with 478, fifth in the all-time list.

His match-winning performance in New Delhi this week was the eighth time he has taken 10 wickets in a test. The third and final test of the series against Sri Lanka will be Kumble's 100th.