RICKY PONTING has agreed to join Surrey on a short-term deal this summer.
The Australia legend, 38, is heading to the Kia Oval as cover while South African Graeme Smith plays in the Champions Trophy.
He said: “I’m really excited to be playing for Surrey this season.
"They are a forward thinking and historic club — and play at one of the greatest grounds in the world.
"It hasn’t been the friendliest place for me but now it will be my home for two months this summer.
“I’d like to think I can contribute a significant amount to the club — on and off the field — and am looking forward to getting stuck in as soon as I arrive.”
Ponting announced his retirement from Test cricket last November after 168 matches for the Baggy Greens.
Exactly a year ago today he quit one-day internationals with 375 caps to focus on the longer form of the game.
He has still been playing matches for Tasmanian Tigers and looked in good nick as he made 95 against Western Australia on Tuesday.
England's Ashes tormentor-in-chief Ponting — whose nickname is Punter — last featured in county cricket back in 2004 when he signed for Somerset.
Last year, he effectively turned down the chance to return to Taunton by insisting it was not on his radar.
However, Surrey have pulled off a huge coup by convincing him to sign for June and July.
Surrey team director Chris Adams said: “We knew we would lose Graeme to the ICC Champions Trophy in June.
"That given, we focused on recruiting the best possible replacement and, in Ricky Ponting, we have signed one of the greatest batsmen of the modern era.
“This year, our young batsmen will enjoy a unique opportunity to learn from not just one but two of the greatest international players of the modern age.”
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