Matt Coles signs long-term contract extension

Fast bowling all-rounder Matt Coles has committed his future to the club by signing a long-term contract extension.

The 25-year-old Kent Cricket Academy graduate has taken 54 LV= County Championship wickets this season at an average of 22.05 with two five-wicket hauls and a ten-wicket match since returning to his home county earlier this year.

The Maidstone-born cricketer said: “I’m thrilled to sign this long-term deal and pledge my future to my home county.

“Having spent a short time away, I have been impressed by the progress of the players who came through the Academy with me and this has had a major influence on my decision to sign this contract.

“I am convinced that major honours for the County are just round the corner. The development of The County Ground, Beckenham shows the vision of the club.

“The Spitfire Ground is becoming a top-class venue and I’m sure it will host many memorable results for the County in the coming years.

“I would also like to extend my gratitude to the supporters who have welcomed me back. I hope I can repay them for the support they have shown towards me.”

The left-handed batsman made his Kent debut in 2009 before winning his county cap and representing England Lions in 2012.

He moved to Hampshire on loan in 2013 before signing permanently in 2014, when he helped the south coast county achieve promotion to Division One of the LV= County Championship before returning home to Kent this year.

Chief executive Jamie Clifford said: “It has been great to have had Matt back at Kent this year. He has led the bowling attack superbly since his return.

“He has an exciting career ahead of him and I hope that he can achieve the ambitions we have for him and the Club in the coming years.”