MUMBAI, July 16: Indian leg-spinner Anil Kumble is planning to play for Surrey in the English county championship later this week even as he eyes a berth in the national team to tour for the tri-series in Sri Lanka next month.

Kumble is set to leave for England at the weekend and has thus only marginally delayed his departure.

Earlier, he was expected to turn up for Surrey in their game against Northamptonshire, which began on Saturday.

“My aim would be to help Surrey get back to the top division of the county championship,” said Kumble, refusing to speculate if he is hopeful of getting a berth in the Indian team for the Sri Lanka triangular.

Kumble's contract with Surrey is no different to professional contract, which other cricketers secure in county circuit. If they are selected to play for their national teams, the county teams are bound by rules to release them.

The match winning spin wizard hasn't played a One-day International for India for almost a year now.—Agencies