LONDON, Oct 16: Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Asif has joined English county Surrey as their overseas player for the 2008 season.

Asif replaces his compatriot Mohammed Akram on the Surrey staff and will link up with another Pakistan star Saqlain Mushtaq, who is able to play for the First Division side as well because he holds a British passport.

The 24-year-old has taken 51 wickets in 11 Tests and is regarded as a potentially world-class paceman but his carrer has been scarred by controversy.

Asif was banned by the Pakistan Cricket Board after testing positive for a banned substance last year before the decision was overturned on appeal.

Surrey manager Alan Butcher believes he will be a big hit at The Oval.

“In Asif we have acquired one of the world’s best new-ball bowlers,” Butcher said.

“He has the high-quality skills required to get wickets at The Brit Oval; skills that I hope will be passed on to our younger bowlers.

“He will form a major part of what is looking like an exciting bowling attack.”—AFP