Former South African Test star Andre Nel is set to bring his brand of on-field aggression to the Brit Oval after penning a three-year deal with Surrey.

The 31-year-old quit international cricket recently after an 11 year career saw him clock up 36 Test and 79 one day international appearances for the Springboks.

Nel arrives as a Kolpak player allowing the Brown Caps to deploy New Zealand all rounder Grant Elliott as an overseas player for the first half of their Liverpool Victoria County Championship Division Two campaign.

He joins an impressive pace attack under new cricket manager Chris Adams, which includes Pedro Collins, Chris Jordan, Jade Dernbach and former England man Alex Tudor.

And Nel’s new boss admits his reputation was a key attraction to bringing another fast bowler into the ranks.

“Nel has proven pace, power and wicket taking ability and will be a fantastic addition to our pace team,” said Adams.

“As a proven international bowler, he brings aggression on the pitch and experience off it.

“With exciting home developed fast bowlers such as Jade Dernbach and Stuart Meaker, Surrey will be a force to be reckoned with.”