Ian Salisbury unwinds at The Oval © Martin Williamson

Former England legspinner Ian Salisbury, who was released by Surrey at the end of the summer, has signed a two-year contract with Warwickshire.

"Sals will add some much needed experience back into our squad," said Ashley Giles, the county's director of cricket. "The retirements of Heath Streak and Dougie Brown have left the current squad light in this regard and I know a player of Ian's calibre will be a great asset to both the club and the team. He has knowledge of the game in all formats. He will be a great help to the younger players and those coming through the Academy in the spin bowling department. Ian will join up with us in January but I will be communicating with him regularly before Christmas."

"I have been lucky enough to play at two fantastic clubs during my career and it will be brilliant to finish at another fantastic club," said Salisbury. "It will be a new start under Ashley and I am fully behind him and look forward to playing and helping develop the youngsters in this new era for the club."

Salisbury, who made his first-class debut in 1989, played 15 Tests for England but his 20 wickets cost 76.95 each. He started with Sussex before moving to Surrey in 1997. In 11 years at The Oval he took 368 wickets as well as scoring three hundreds. He struggled to secure a place in the side last season and only took 11 wickets in six Championship matches.