Murali Kartik

Murali Kartik signs for the London side

Surrey have completed the signing of Indian spinner Murali Kartik for the 2012 County Championship.

The 35-year-old played eight Tests for India, taking 24 wickets at an average of 34 and also played for Lancashire and Somerset in England.

“I am very happy to be signing for Surrey for the next English season,” Kartik said.

“They are one of the biggest domestic sides in the world game and I hugely look forward to playing my cricket at an iconic ground like the Kia Oval.”

His views were echoed by Surrey team director Chris Adams.:

“Murali Kartik is a proven wicket taker in English conditions and will add another dimension to our bowling attack,” he said.

“As shown with the signing of Pragyan Ojha for the final part of the 2011 season, a ‘mystery’ spinner can often make a major difference to the outcome of a campaign.

“Having someone of Kartik’s quality on board for the entirety of next season will be a great boost.”