Surrey sign Tait for Twenty20

Australian fast bowler Shaun Tait will be Surrey's overseas player for this summer's Friends Provident t20 competition. Tait, 27, is widely regarded as the fastest bowler in the world. He is part of Australia's Twenty20 and one-day squads to take on England and has also been included in Australia's provisional squad for the forthcoming World Cup.

He will join up with Surrey shortly before their first Twenty20 match against Gloucestershire at The Oval on June 2 and be available for the duration of the competition, including any potential Quarter Final or Finals Day appearances.

"This is a pretty exciting move for me," said Tait. "I've a bit of unfinished business in county cricket and I'll be giving it my all for Surrey this year.

"I always strive to take wickets and love being part of a close knit team. Some good reports about how Surrey are shaping up for 2011 have been filtering through so I'm confident that the team can go a few steps further this year in the FP t20. Finals Day is something I really want to be involved in."

With 80 wickets at an average of 19.81 Tait is among the leading wicket takers in Twenty20 cricket and has previous experience of English conditions, having enjoyed a brief stint in 2009 with Chipstead, Coulsdon and Walcountians CC in the Surrey Championship and following this up by signing for Glamorgan for their 2010 campaign.

"Games are invariably won and lost at the start and end of an innings," added Surrey Manager Chris Adams. Having a bowler of Shaun's quality, ability and pace will make us an improved prospect for this year's FPt20."