The 30-year-old left-handed opener has been brought in as a replacement for Australia’s Mitchell Marsh, who is to undergo ankle surgery.

Elgar, a veteran of 49 Test matches, will join Surrey for their opening game against Hampshire on April 20 and will remain until South Africa head off on tour to Sri Lanka.

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Elgar enjoyed a highly successful stint with Somerset last season and played three games for Surrey in 2015. He will join up with compatriot Morne Morkel, who has signed with Surrey as a Kolpak player following his retirement from international cricket.

Surrey director of cricket Alec Stewart said: “Given the news that Mitch Marsh will need ankle surgery to be able to bring someone of Dean’s calibre to the club, at such short notice, for the first period of the season is a real bonus.

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“We know Dean well after his time with us in 2015, and his international quality and experience will be a real asset.”

In his first game, Elgar will face teammate Hashim Amla, who will play for Hampshire this season  until he joins up with South Africa in Sri Lanka.