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Nel becomes the second new player signed by Adams, the former Sussex captain seeking to revitalise one of county cricket's superpowers - who were relegated from LV Division One of the championship after last year failing to win a single four-day match for the first time in their history.

"The addition of Andre Nel to the Surrey dressing room underlines the ambition I have for the club," said Adams.

"He has proven pace, power and wicket-taking ability and will be a fantastic addition to our pace team.

"As a proven international bowler, Andre will bring aggression on the pitch and experience off it.

"With exciting home-developed fast bowlers such as Jade Dernbach and Stuart Meaker also at the club, Surrey will be a force to be reckoned with in 2009 and beyond."