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Lewis ends retirement for Surrey's Twenty20 Cup campaign

17/03/2008

Former England all-rounder Chris Lewis will come out of retirement for Surrey's Twenty20 Cup campaign later this year.

The 40-year-old, who retired from top-class cricket in 2000, has earned a short-term deal after impressing in the PCA Masters XI.

The Brown Caps are expected to hand Lewis a starring role when they take on Essex at the Brit Oval on June 11th.

Lewis began his playing days with Leicestershire in 1987, but enjoyed spells at Surrey and Nottinghamshire before returning to Grace Road.

During an eight-year international career he played in 32 Tests and 53 one-day internationals.

Surrey manager Alan Butcher said that the all-rounder was the "right option" for the country.

"Lewis has remained extremely fit and could play a vital role in Surrey's Twenty20 campaign as an all-rounder," Butcher explained.

"He ticks boxes on many levels: he's an all-rounder who is still a brilliant fielder; he does not require a full-time, long-term contract as a young Kolpak player would and therefore first-team opportunities will still be available for our young players throughout the season."

Butcher added that Lewis would help fill the gaps left by the exits of all-rounders Azhar Mahmood and Rikki Clarke to Kent and Derbyshire respectively.