Australian Harris moves to Surrey

Harris played eight games for Deccan Chargers in the IPL

Australia bowler Ryan Harris has joined Surrey as an overseas player for their next three County Championship games.

The paceman took 33 wickets at 26.48 for Queensland last winter to be called into Australia's one-day team, but a broken foot ended his season early.

However, the 29-year-old recovered to help the Deccan Chargers win the Indian Premier League last month, taking six wickets and averaging 21 with the bat.

"It's great to join Surrey because I love playing in England," said Harris.

He replaces New Zealander Grant Elliott as Surrey's overseas player and goes straight into the squad for the Championship game at Glamorgan, which is due to start on Saturday. He will also be available for the trips to Northamptonshire and Leicestershire.

"With the Australian domestic season and the IPL, I have played a lot of cricket recently and am very keen to keep getting out there and showing people what I can do," said Harris.

Surrey cricket manager Chris Adams added: "We have a taxing stretch of matches coming up, and bringing someone like Ryan into the squad will give everyone a boost.

"His pace, aggression and all-round capabilities mean that he will be a welcome addition to our squad for the upcoming games."

Harris had his contract with Adams former club Sussex terminated last season after playing one game for the county.

He had signed as a non-overseas player because he holds a UK passport, and he played in a friendly against MCC, taking 4-36.

However, he was then withdrawn after reports emerged that he had signed for Australian side Queensland Bulls as a local player and regulations did not allow him to play in both countries as a local player.