Batty back at the Oval as changes continue

By sosborn

GARETH Batty has re-signed for Surrey from Worcestershire as the Brown Caps bid to boost their ranks for next season.

The 31-year-old has signed a three-year-deal and will be welcomed back to the Brit Oval having already had a stint with the Club from 1998 to 2001.

He then moved to Worcester where he has been one of the country's leading spin bowlers. Since moving to New Road, Batty has been one of the club's lynch pins, having taken 318 wickets at an average of 33.37 and pitched in with some handy performances with the bat.

Batty admitted he was delighted to back at the Oval. He said: "It's great to be back at Surrey. Playing at the Brit Oval will help my own game and I really hope that I can play a part in helping Surrey win some trophies again.

"I still have aspirations to get back playing Test Match cricket for England again and I feel that the move to Surrey will help me do that."

Batty has played seven Test Matches for England to date, making his debut against Bangladesh in 2003, but more recently was brought into England's one-day squad against the West Indies earlier this year in the Caribbean.

The addition of Batty will bolster Surrey's spin department which already boasts Chris Schofield and Simon King.

Commenting on the signing, Surrey cricket manager Chris Adams said: "Getting Gareth on board will certainly bring healthy competition for bowling places within the squad."