Surrey move was best for me - Nel

Nel has previously played county cricket for Essex and Northants

South African fast bowler Andre Nel has said the decision to join Surrey was best for his career as he does not want to wait for a call from his country.

Nel has joined the county as a Kolpak signing after announcing his retirement from international cricket.

He told BBC London 94.9: "You could see the way South Africa were thinking that I wasn't going to get a chance.

"You can't sit around wanting to play for your country. This is the best decision for my family and career."

Surrey will be the third English county that Nel has played for after previous stints with Northants and Essex.

Gunther's doing quite well. He's calmed down a lot but I think he'll come out a few times during the season to entertain people

Andre Nel

And, after signing a three-year contract, he said he was excited about his new challenge.

"It was a big decision to make to retire from international cricket but it's probably the right time for me to move on and start somewhere else. I can't wait to get started now," he said.

Nel added that his alter-ego, Gunther, is ready to terrorise batsmen around the country with his psyched up behaviour and intimidating glares.

"Gunther's doing quite well. He's calmed down a lot but I think he'll come out a few times during the season to entertain people."

You can hear full ball-by-ball commentary of Surrey's opening County Championship Division Two match against Gloucestershire at The Brit Oval on BBC London online from 15 April (play starts 1100 BST).