Kent sign wicketkeeper-batsman Adam Rouse

Kent have signed former England Under-19 wicketkeeper-batsman Adam Rouse.

The 23-year-old right-hander was born in Zimbabwe and has played first-class cricket for Hampshire and Gloucestershire.

He played for Kent second XI in 2014 and returned for a month on trial in April 2015 as cover for Sam Billings and could deputise for the England man in 2016 after signing a contract with the club.

Kent’s new number 12 said: “I’m delighted to be rejoining Kent on a more permanent basis.

I really enjoyed my time at the beginning of last year and hopefully I can use this opportunity to push on and secure myself a regular first team spot.

“I’m very grateful to the Kent management for showing faith in me and allowing for this opportunity – I'm looking forward to getting stuck in, a lot of hard work lies ahead and I’m excited to get going.

“After my month there last year, I followed Kent’s fortunes and there were some excellent white-ball performances so hopefully we can kick on this year and go a step or two further.”

Rouse hit a match-winning 35 not out against Kent for Gloucestershire in the 2014 NatWest T20 Blast, hitting a boundary off the final ball of the match to clinch a three-wicket win.

Head coach Jimmy Adams said: “Adam made a very good impression both on and off the field when he was with us last year.

“We are extremely happy to have such a talented young player in our squad.”

Rouse is currently playing club cricket for Cape Town in South Africa this winter and will join the Kent squad for pre-season in March, ahead of the county cricket season which starts in early April.