Surrey cricket chief Alan Butcher has signed little known Pakistan first-class cricketer Murtaza Hussain to replace the departing Chris Schofield and Harbhajan Singh.

The pair jet off to the Twenty20 World Championships in South Africa on Sunday leaving a hole in the Brit Oval side's bowling attack as they bid to avoid relagation from Liverpool Victoria County Championship Division One.

Hussain, an off-spinner with 524 first class wickets in 129 matches in Pakistan, has played club cricket in England over the past few years and has recently gained his British passport - meaning he is English qualified.

"I became aware of Murtaza about two years ago and since that time he has gained English qualification," said Butcher.

"With Nayan Doshi leaving the Club and Ian Salisbury and Simon King not fit to play at the moment, we are very light in the spin bowling department."

"Murtaza has trained and played some cricket with us in the second team this year. As such, we have registered him for the remainder of this season."

Singh has been forced to withdraw from Surrey's LV County Championship side that begins today against Warwickshire at Edgbaston, due to a minor foot injury.

Surrey and Indian medical staff believe the 27-year-old will be fit for the Twenty20 World Championships, but the prolific leg-spinner will not appear for his club again this season.

But Singh believes his brief stint at the Brit Oval may have put him back in contention for a return to the Test stage.

"It's very disappointing for me that I'll now miss this game, but I didn't feel confident that I could play to the best of my ability with the injury I have," he added.

"I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Surrey but I believe that they will finish off the remainder of the season well without me anyway.

"I have really been pleased with my form for Surrey this time around.

"I needed to perform well and I have, which has helped my team and done my chances of getting back into the Indian Test team no harm."

Hussain made his debut today (Thursday) in the championship clash with Warwickshire at Edgbaston.