Adam Rouse signs contract extension

Kent wicketkeeper-batsman Adam Rouse has signed a contract extension.

The 24-year-old has committed his future to the club after impressing with the gloves and the bat since he joined the county as cover for England gloveman Sam Billings last season.

The former England Under-19 cricketer achieved a career-best 95 not out in the 169-run win against Derbyshire and topped the batting averages on the pre-season FGS Plant Tour to the West Indies.

He took 30 catches in 7 first class matches last summer and has claimed another 15 in four so far in 2017.

The former Hampshire and Gloucestershire player said: “I’m really happy to have committed my future to Kent, and delighted that the club have shown faith in me.

“I’m enjoying my role right now and with Sam Billings away it’s given me a nice opportunity to figure out my game and develop as a player.

“The coaches and I spoke a lot in the winter about my targets, and my main aim now is to push for a regular 1st team spot in all formats; whether that is with the gloves or just with the bat.”

Head coach Matt Walker said: “He’s kept brilliantly and scored some vital runs since he joined the club.

“Adam worked very hard this winter and has never had a full pre-season preparation so far in his career.

“The training and the FGS Plant Tour gave him the opportunity to learn his own game, develop his skills and attack the season.

“Adam has shown some great signs in the last 18 months and he is a very popular character in our dressing room.

“There’s a lot more to come from him and with Sam Billings away on England duty, he will play a lot of cricket.”