Former Hampton School boy Zafar Ansari reckons combining being a professional cricketer with being a student is the best of both worlds.

The Weybridge Cricket Club leg-spinner celebrated his 19th birthday by sign a two-year summer contract with Surrey on Friday, while he studies for a degree at Cambridge University.

Ansari, who captained the England U15 team, has played all age group levels for Surrey and made his List A debut last season in the Lions’ final CB40 match of 2010 - taking a wicket with his first ball.

“I’ve been with Surrey since I was nine, so get a contract with the club you’ve played at all your life is fantastic,” he said.

“The summer contract is brilliant because it gives me the opportunity to work during term time, but combine with playing up there and then for Surrey when I get back down here.”

Ansari signed the same day as Guildford Cricket Club 19-year-old all-rounder Tom Jewell put pen to paper on a two-year deal and Surrey cricket manager is delighted to have the pair.

“Zafar and Tom are two more fine additions to our playing staff,” he said.

“They are both very adaptable cricketers and give us a wealth of options with both bat and ball.

“The fact they have been handed two year deals shows the worth we place in both players and I look forward to working with both of them over the coming years.”