November 17, 2006
Nicholson and Mahmood confirmed as Surrey overseas signings for 2007
The Brit Oval, London (17 November 2006) - Surrey County Cricket Club can confirm that their two overseas signings for the 2007 season will be former Australian Test bowler, Matthew Nicholson and Pakistani all-rounder, Azhar Mahmood.
It will be Mahmood’s sixth season with the Club, while Nicholson moves to Surrey after a season at Northamptonshire.
Nicholson, who played in one Test match for Australia in 1998, was Northamptonshire’s leading wicket taker in 2006, taking 46 wickets at 31.97 while also proving useful with the bat, scoring 454 runs at 28.37. His presence will bolster the Club’s fast bowling ranks as it looks to press for Division One title claims next season.
Mahmood, who joined the Club in 2002, will also be on the Surrey staff for a further season and his all-round ability will again be welcomed. In five seasons with the Club, the 31 year old has taken 150 first-class wickets at 30.83 as well as scoring 2300 runs at 37.7.
Commenting on the signings, Surrey Cricket Manager, Alan Butcher said,
“I am extremely pleased to have Azhar on board again who has been an excellent servant for us over the past five seasons. His ability with both bat and ball is unquestioned and gives us great flexibility in selection while Matthew will bring that added fire to our pace attack that we will certainly need moving into Division One. I’m really looking forward to working with him.”
