Surrey sign Australia's Nic Maddinson for Vitality Blast

Surrey have signed Australia batsman Nic Maddinson as their second overseas player for this year's Vitality Blast. Maddinson will join up with the Surrey after the completion of Australia's T20I tri-series in Zimbabwe in July.

Maddinson, who last played for Australia in 2016, recently won a recall to the T20I squad, captained by Finch. Australia play one T20I in England, on June 27, and then travel to Zimbabwe for a tri-series also involving Pakistan. Maddinson is currently without a state contract but has played three Tests and two T20Is for his country.

"We're delighted to have recruited Nic alongside Aaron Finch as an overseas player for this year's Vitality Blast," Surrey's director of cricket, Alec Stewart said. "Nic is an exciting batsman who brings a wealth of T20 experience to the squad."

Maddinson was the leading run-scorer for Sydney Sixers in the 2017-18 Big Bash, with 291 in ten games at a strike rate of 145.50. He has also previously played in the IPL and Caribbean Premier League.

"I very much look forward to playing with Surrey during this year's Vitality Blast season," Maddinson said. "It's a fabulous opportunity to play at a great sporting organisation such as Surrey County Cricket Club and with my Australian counterpart Aaron Finch.

"I also welcome the opportunity of working with head coach Michael Di Venuto. Having the Kia Oval as our home ground also gives me the chance to play at one of England's great iconic grounds. Let's hope I can help Surrey win the title."

Surrey have previously lost the service of two of overseas signings this season. Mitchell Marsh, another Australia international, pulled out of his deal to appear in all formats after requiring ankle surgery, while India's Test captain, Virat Kohli, was ruled out of a month-long spell by a neck injury.