Rudolph set to star early on for Surrey

Rudolph signed for Yorkshire as a Kolpak in 2007, enjoying three successful seasons before returning to his native South Africa and winning an international recall last year. He also played a handful of games for the White Rose county last season.

Now he will return to county cricket with the Brown Caps as a short-term replacement for spinner Murali Kartik, who arrives at the Oval after the Indian Premier League.

Surrey team director Chris Adams said: “Signing a player of Jacques Rudolph’s undoubted capabilities and experience is a great boost to our side at the start of the campaign.

“With such a heavy first-class schedule early in the season it will be a huge advantage to have a world-class opening batsman available to us. I look forward to welcoming Jacques in early April.”