Surrey swoop for fast bowler Asif

The 24-year-old, who has taken 51 Test and 31 one-day international wickets, tested positive for a banned substance last year but was cleared on appeal.

Asif took 25 wickets in just five games for Leicestershire in 2006.

Mohammad Akram has left the Surrey staff, but another former Pakistan bowler, Saqlain Mushtaq, has returned after being freed by champions Sussex.

"In Mohammad we have acquired one of the world's best new-ball bowlers"
Alan Butcher

Surrey manager Alan Butcher believes that Asif and Saqlain can combine to devastating effect for his team in Division One next season.

"In Mohammad we have acquired one of the world's best new-ball bowlers," he said.

606 DEBATE
Can Asif lead Surrey to glory?

"He has the high-quality skills required to get wickets at The Oval - skills I hope will be passed on to our younger bowlers.

"He will form a major part of what is looking like an exciting bowling attack."

Surrey endured a mediocre 2007 campaign, finishing fourth in both the Championship top flight and Division Two of the Pro40.

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