Clarke has dropped down the pecking order for England

The 26-year-old played two Tests for England in Bangladesh in 2003 and the last of his 20 one-dayers in 2006.

Clarke made his Surrey debut in 2001, won the title with them in 2002, and takes over as skipper from Australian Simon Katich, who opted not to return.

He joins spinner Nayan Doshi and batsman John Sadler as new signings, as boss John Morris revamps his team.

After signing a two-year deal with the county, Clarke said one of his main goals was to earn further international recognition.

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"My ambition is to play for England again and I think Derbyshire is the best place for me to achieve that ambition," he said. "The club is looking to go forward and that really excited me.

"The chance to be captain played a part in my decision because I have always wanted to be a leader but I was more interested in where Derbyshire want to go.

"I could have gone to other counties that are regarded as bigger but this is a move that I hope will show people that I have character and have got something about me.

"If I concentrate on what I do and put in performances with bat and ball it will make if difficult for the selectors not to pick me."

He will be a massive addition to our squad John Morris

Clarke scored 4,201 runs and took 110 wickets in 76 matches at The Oval.

Morris believes his arrival signals the lofty ambitions of his team, which finished low down in the second tiers of the County Championship and Pro40 last season.

"It's a big coup for this club," he said. "It shows the intent we have and that we possess the right make-up to move forward.

"Rikki has ambition not only for himself but also for this club and that impressed me. He will be a massive addition to our squad."