Ball and Bell-Drummond extend contracts with Kent County Cricket Club

Kent County Cricket Club is delighted to confirm that Adam Ball and Daniel Bell-Drummond have extended their contracts with the Club.

The two former Kent Cricket Academy scholars excelled within Kent’s first-team during the 2011 season, and have both earned a place in the England under 19s squad, with Ball captaining the side.

Left-arm seam bowler, Ball signed his first professional contract with Kent aged just sixteen, and made his first-team debut at the end of the 2010 campaign. Ball quickly became a regular, making nine first class appearances and impressing with the bat on debut against Gloucestershire, making a fluent 46. Ball has also become an established member of the Kent Spitfires’ t20 side, often combining superbly with James Tredwell and Darren Stevens in the middle overs to keep the scoring rate down. Taking ten wickets at an average of 28.00 in t20 cricket shows his worth as a wicket taker.

Bell-Drummond, who has signed a two year deal is regarded as one of the most exciting young batting prodigies in the country. An aggressive opener, he has excelled for Kent and at England under 19 level along with Adam Ball. Bell-Drummond ended the 2011 season opening the batting, in the absence of the injured Rob Key, making three consecutive LV=County Championship appearances. Bell-Drummond will be seeking to establish himself in the Kent top order next season and will be looking to improve on his average of 21.00 in 2011, and enhance his growing reputation.

Simon Willis, High Performance Director added; “These two lads have developed through the Kent Cricket system – they have worked extremely hard and are an excellent example of what can be achieved through hard work and determination. I’m extremely pleased that they have extended their contracts, and have the opportunity to develop and realise their potential as part of the Kent Cricket squad.”

Adam Ball commented on the news; “I’m extremely pleased to have extended my contract with the Club. I have learnt a great deal this season. I feel extremely well supported by the Club and I am pleased to have the opportunity to study for my degree at the University of Kent whilst remaining fully committed to the Club for the next three years.”