Ben Harmison signs contract with Kent County Cricket Club

Kent County Cricket Club are delighted to announce that Ben Harmison will be joining the Kent squad.All-rounder, Harmison has been released by Durham, having spent seven years at the Emirates Durham ICG.

Harmison was called up into the England squad for the Under-19 World Cup in Bangladesh in 2004, and was then selected for the Under-19 tour of India in 2005, taking 4-58 in the second Test – the best bowling figures by an England bowler during the tour. He also shone with the bat, making 65 in the third Test, but could not prevent a 3-0 series defeat, before featuring in three of the five one-day internationals.

He has since gone on to average 34.66 with the ball in 37 first class matches, and averages 26.10 with bat.The twenty-five year old has also made 51 List A, and 30 Twenty20 appearances during his career.

Chairman of Cricket, Graham Johnson commented on the signing; “I am delighted that we have signed Ben; he offers a lot with both bat and ball, and he was a target for us during the recent recruitment process. He has a point to prove about making the best of his undoubted ability and we look forward to helping him do that. I am sure that all involved with Kent Cricket will make him very welcome.”

Harmison commented on his move to Kent; "I am delighted to have signed for Kent. I cannot wait to get down to Kent and start training with the squad, and I look forward to an exciting 2012 season. This is a great opportunity and I look forward to continuing my career with a county hungry for success.”