English county Surrey has signed South Africa U19 fast bowler Conor McKerr on a three year deal as the youngster pursues a career in England.

McKerr (18) has a British passport and will join his new club for pre-season in March. He was part of South Africa’s U19 World Cup squad for the tournament in Bangladesh this year where they failed to progress from the group stages after losing their first two games.

He has also represented Gauteng U19s, The Lions Cubs and the South Africa Colts XI.

‘I am unbelievably excited about being given the opportunity of playing for an amazing county like Surrey at the Kia Oval. I am really looking forward to it and the challenges it will bring,’ McKerr said in a statement on the clubs website.

Surrey Director of Cricket Alec Stewart said: ‘I have a number of people around the world whose judgement of a player I trust. When I was made aware of the immense potential of Conor it made good sense to sign him. Following the retirements of Chris Tremlett, Tim Linley and David Balcombe we needed to add to our bowling resources and Conor is a part of this process.’

Picture: Gallo