Brendan Nash signs Kent Cricket contract extension

Australia-born batsman Brendan Nash has extended his Kent contract.

The 36-year-old has scored 2,857 first-class runs in three summers at the club since his arrival in 2012 and will return from a winter in Australia for a fourth season in 2015.

The former West Indies international said: “I am happy to extend my contract with Kent Cricket. I’ve enjoyed my three seasons at the club and when I came to the club there was an idea in place to move Kent forward, I'm glad I can continue to help with this.

“The club realise it is important to have that blend of experience and younger players to help with this idea.

“Personally, I’m happy with what I have contributed both on and off the field during my time at Kent and I'm looking forward to seeing the progression next season.”

In 2014, Nash scored 839 runs at an average of 36.48 in the LV= County Championship.

In 2013 the left-hander scored five centuries, including 199 not out in a successful run chase against Gloucestershire.

Nash’s extension and Joe Denly’s return increases the depth of options in the batting line-up across all formats.

Chairman of cricket Graham Johnson said: “Having Brendan in the mix of our batting unit with all his experience and skill will mean that we have healthy competition for places and a mix of batters to handle whatever the challenge in 2015.

“I know Brendan has experienced playing in winning environments in his career and we all want 2015 to be exactly that for Kent. I am sure he will relish that opportunity.”

Born in Western Australia and with a Jamaican father, Nash played for Queensland before moving to Jamaica.

He quickly made a name for himself in the Caribbean and earned a West Indies Test call-up for the New Zealand tour of 2008/09.

Nash played 21 Tests and 9 one-day internationals for the West Indies and was appointed vice-captain in 2010 before losing his place in 2011.

FIRST-CLASS RECORD

135 matches, 221 innings, 7,523 runs, 39.38 average, 18 centuries, 32 x 50s.

LIST A RECORD

88 matches, 66 innings, 1,596 runs at 31.92 average, 8 x 50s.

T20 RECORD

8 matches, 6 innings, 84 runs at 16.8 average.