CRICKET: SURREY have signed Australian left arm fast bowler Dirk Nannes for the 2012 Friends Life T20 campaign.

Nannes will join Indian spinner Murali Kartik as Surrey's second overseas signing for this summer's competition.

The experienced 35-year-old – a T20 specialist who remains the leading wicket taker in the history of the format – proved popular with players, management and fans during his first Surrey stint last summer and will once again join exclusively for the Friends Life T20.

Surrey team director Chris Adams said he was delighted to have secured the bowler ahead of the new season.

"As we saw last season in the shortest form of the game, Dirk is still one of the most consistently dangerous and economical bowlers on the world scene," he added. "He did a fantastic job for us and I can speak for the whole club when I say we are delighted to welcome him back for another spell."

This year's fixtures will start at the Kia Oval against Essex on Wednesday June 13 and continue until Surrey's clash with Sussex at the PROBIZ County Ground, Hove on Sunday July 8.

The UK based Nannes' contract also includes any subsequent knock-out stages the club may reach.