Laurie Evans to re-join Surrey on permanent deal

The 32-year-old came through Surrey’s academy and made his first-class debut in 2009, before leaving for Warwickshire and then latterly moving onto Sussex

Laurie Evans has signed a two-year deal with Surrey, the county where he began his professional career.

The Sussex batsman, who has been on loan at the Kia Oval in recent weeks as part of their Bob Willis Trophy campaign, will re-join the club on a permanent basis at the end of the season.

The 32-year-old came through Surrey’s academy and made his first-class debut in 2009, before leaving for Warwickshire and then latterly moving onto Sussex.

He will return to Sussex for their upcoming T20 Blast campaign, the competition in which he has done much of his best work in recent years, earning him opportunities on the T20 franchise circuit in the Pakistan Super League, Bangladesh Premier League and Caribbean Premier League.

He made his England Lions debut earlier this year, making 94 against a Cricket Australia XI as part of a landmark, unbeaten tour, while he was selected at the start of this summer in England’s 55-man training group and subsequently in an initial white-ball bubble ahead of their ODI series against Ireland.

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Evans said: “I am really excited at the prospect of beginning a new chapter in my career. I feel my game is developing in the right way and I hope to contribute heavily in the coming years at the Kia Oval.

“I am grateful to Alec for giving me the opportunity of returning to Surrey. It almost feels like coming home. At the same time, I have enjoyed my time tremendously at Hove and I’d like to take this opportunity to wish players and supporters all the best for the future.”

Surrey director of cricket Alec Stewart added: “I have known Laurie since his days in our age group teams and at our club, Malden Wanderers, and am well aware of his abilities and strong character.

“With the number of players we already provide to the England setup – and potentially more to come in the near future – it was important to bring an experienced batsman into our squad. Laurie knows the club inside out and will add great value to the dressing room.”

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