Stoneman to join Surrey at end of current campaign

Mark Stoneman will join Surrey at the end of the season, having rejected a new two-year deal with Somerset.

Stoneman, 29, has scored more than 1,000 first-class runs in each of the past three seasons and will move to the Oval when his contract expires with Durham.

Stoneman said: “Joining Surrey under the guidance of long time mentor Michael Di Venuto and Alec Stewart will provide the platform to reach new levels with my batting.

“It is a fantastic opportunity to join a young and exciting squad. I am very excited for the years ahead at the Kia Oval which is a great Test match venue and I hope my experience can contribute to a period of success for Surrey.

“The desire to play for England is as strong as it has ever been and I feel that now is the right time to accept a new challenge in an environment which will hopefully see me fulfil the dream of playing for England.”

Stoneman has regularly been considered for England selection in recent times, with his consistent high scoring catching the eye.

Surrey director of cricket Alec Stewart added: “I am very pleased Mark has signed for Surrey as I was aware a number of other counties were chasing him too. He is exactly the type of character and player I feel will add strength and depth to our squad.

“Our head coach Michael Di Venuto knows Mark very well from his own playing days at Durham and that was a major factor in Mark choosing the Kia Oval.”