Blewett joins Surrey

Surrey would be the fourth English county to field Blewett

Surrey have completed the signing of former Australian Test player Greg Blewett in time for the start of this season's Twenty20 Cup.

Blewett will spend three weeks at the club as cover for Azhar Mahmood, who has a bad back.

"He comes in at a crucial time for us as we have not had the best of luck with injuries so his ability to bat and bowl will be very handy for us.

"He will be a great asset to the side," said Surrey coach Steve Rixon.

Surrey will be seriously weakened in their bowling ranks for the next few weeks.

Spinner Saqlain Mushtaq will not play again this summer because of a knee injury.

Martin Bicknell is having a scan on his right groin and will miss a minimum of two weeks.

Jimmy Ormond will miss the first two games of the Twenty20 Cup due to problems in both knees.

And Ian Salisbury will miss the whole tournament after succumbing to an injured left knee which will require surgery at the end of the year.

Given that scenario, Blewett, who has played 43 Tests for Australia, could find himself doing some bowling as well, although he is essentially a batsman.

The right-hander has had previous spells as an overseas player for Yorkshire, Nottinghamshire, and most recently for Kent.