Steve Rixon: heading north to The Oval © Getty Images

Surrey have ended their search for a replacement for Keith Medlycott with the announcement that Steve Rixon has signed a two-year deal to be the county's manager.

Rixon, 49, who played 13 Tests for Australia between 1977 and 1985, is currently coaching New South Wales and will move to England in late March when his current contract expires.

"Having been offered roles in English cricket before, I feel this is the opportunity and challenge that really excites me the most," Rixon said. "Working for what I see as the premier county, I've been very impressed with what I've seen of Surrey so far. It's clearly a squad with high quality players who I am looking forward to working with. I believe we will continue to build on the winning ways of the past few years."

"We have searched the world of cricket to find the best person for this crucial position within the club," Paul Sheldon, Surrey's chief executive, explained. "Having spent time with him last week in Australia I am convinced that we have found the right man to lead the team into a new era."