Sowter heads for Surrey following Hundred success

Spinner is released from Durham contract early in order to join family in South East

Nathan Sowter's success for MI London and Oval Invincibles in the Hundred has earned him a multi-year deal at Surrey which will see him lead their spin attack in the T20 Blast. His move comes after he negotiated an early release from his contract at Durham, who said they were "disappointed" to confirm his departure.

Sowter, 33, has played for the Oval franchise since the Hundred's inception, taking 32 wickets across six seasons and winning the title for three successive seasons from 2023-25. He joined Durham in 2022 following his release by Middlesex but will return south next summer after requesting an early exit from his contract.

Sowter recently became a father, and thanked Durham for allowing him to leave his contract early. "I would like to thank Durham for their understanding in allowing me to move closer to my family home in the South East," he said. "This is hugely important to me since recently becoming a dad."

He added: "I have loved playing at the Kia Oval in the Hundred, so I am looking forward to calling it home on a permanent basis. I'd like to thank Durham Cricket for their support over the past five seasons. But, when the opportunity to move to Surrey came up, it made sense for me and my family."

Surrey have not won the Blast since its inaugural season back in 2003, reaching the knockout stages in each of the last five years but failing to progress past the semi-finals. They have generally relied on part-timers or overseas signings to bowl spin in recent seasons, but Sowter's addition gives them a frontline, domestic option.

Sowter has taken 19 wickets at The Oval in the Hundred. Alec Stewart, Surrey's director of cricket, said: "Nathan Sowter has a proven track record of bowling at the Kia Oval and strengthens our squad for the Vitality Blast. We're looking forward to welcoming him to Surrey."