Auqib Nabi is set to get a taste of English First-Class cricket as part of his preparations for India’s upcoming Test tour of New Zealand. The Jammu and Kashmir fast bowler has joined Surrey for three County Championship Division One matches against Yorkshire, Sussex and Glamorgan.

The stint is designed to give Nabi exposure to conditions that could resemble those he encounters when India plays two Tests in New Zealand in November.

Nabi is expected to return to India ahead of the India A series against Australia A in Puducherry, with the four-day matches scheduled to begin on September 22.

He was added to India’s Test squad for the Sri Lanka series earlier this month after Jasprit Bumrah did not receive fitness clearance from the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence. Nabi remained on the sidelines for both Tests, however, as India opted for Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna as its two frontline seamers.

The 2025-26 season had been a breakthrough one for Nabi. He played a key role in J&K’s first Ranji Trophy triumph, claiming 60 wickets, including five in the final. His victims during the campaign included K.L. Rahul, Karun Nair and R Smaran.

He also made his IPL debut, with Delhi Capitals buying him for Rs. 8.4 crore. He played five matches but went wicketless at an economy rate of 11.46.

Surrey already has several Indian players on its books, including Mahipal Lomror and Rahul Chahar, while Sai Sudharsan has previously had two spells at the club.