Hamilton-Brown given go-ahead for Surrey talks

Sussex all-rounder Rory Hamilton-Brown has been given permission to speak to County Championship rivals Surrey over a possible move.

Hamilton-Brown made a move in the opposite direction in 2007 when he left the Brit Oval for Hove.

But he could now be offered the position of first-team captain back at Surrey, despite Sussex's overtures of wanting to keep the talented 22-year-old.

Sussex chairman Jim May said: 'The position of Sussex remains unchanged in that we have no wish to see a player of Rory's potential leave the club and our immediate aim is to agree an extended contract with him.

'However, we recognise that to achieve this aim it is appropriate to give Rory time to talk to Surrey about their opportunity.

'At this stage, the club has granted permission to talk only.

'We remain strongly of the view that Rory's cricket development is best served by remaining at Sussex and we will be meeting him subsequent to his meetings with Surrey to discuss matters further.'

In a short statement, Surrey confirmed the news and said they are 'extremely grateful to Sussex for granting us permission to talk with Rory'.

England call up Durham seamer after injuries

Durham bowler Mark Davies has been called into the England Test squad as cover for the struggling James Anderson and Ryan Sidebottom.

The 29-year-old, who is in South Africa as part of the England Performance Programme, took 19 wickets at an average of 29 in the 2009 Championship season.

Sidebottom is struggling with a side strain while Anderson has not travelled with the rest of the squad, staying behind in Durban to have an injection on his troublesome knee.

It was thought the Lancashire bowler's knee struggles were behind him but he has continued to experience pain from the mystery complaint.

England "full of confidence", claims Prior

Wicketkeeper Matt Prior says England are ready to claim what would be a defining victory over South Africa in the final match of the one-day series later today.

Prior believes that after two wins in the three matches of the limited-overs series so far, the tourists are rightly confident about their chances of success against a strong host nation in Durban.

'The way the team is building and moving forwards is hugely positive,' said Prior, who has taken five catches in the three matches so far and made 16 in his only batting innings.

'We go into Friday full of confidence.

'It's going to be a very, very exciting game but we also know that the South Africans will come out fighting.

'They will be very, very determined, wanting to make sure we don't win the series, so we have to be prepared for that.'

Prior was part of the squad that enjoyed some success in the ICC Champions Trophy in South Africa earlier this year, when they beat the hosts and one of the other tournament favourites Sri Lanka to reach the tournament semi-finals.

And the Sussex gloveman puts the team's success down to a positive mindset and excellent motivation from the coaching staff.

'I've been on tours before where it's been hard work, you've really missed home and each day's dragged but that's really not the case here,' he explained to the ECB website.

'When it's enjoyable that's often when you play your best cricket. We've got a squad of guys all pulling together in the same direction and wanting to win this series - and passionate about that.

'It's fantastic. Everything's just gone up three or four levels, and I think that's showing in our performance on the pitch.'

The fifth and final one-day international between England and South Africa begins at 14:30 local time (12:30 GMT).

Wright signs new deal at Sussex

England all-rounder Luke Wright has signed a new three-year contract to keep him at Sussex until at least the end of the 2012 season.

Wright, 24, has broken through into the international arena after an impressive first-class season with Sussex in 2009, where he scored 637 runs - including three centuries - at an average of 49.

His reward was a place in the Champions Trophy squad earlier this year and a call-up for both the Test and one-day squads for the tour to South Africa this winter.

And Wright said he is delighted to have secured his future at Hove: 'The contract extension is exciting for me and I want to be a big part of a bright future for the club.

'I love playing for Sussex and the county have been great in helping me achieve my goal of playing for England.

'I look forward to winning more trophies with this remarkable club in years to come.'

Professional cricket manager Mark Robinson said: 'Luke is one of the most exciting young players in the country and we're delighted that he has committed to the club for the immediate future.'

Lee undergoes elbow surgery

Australia fast bowler Brett Lee has had surgery on the ligament injury in his right elbow with a view to returning some time next year.

The 33-year-old suffered the injury against India earlier this year and aggravated the problem last month, leading to speculation he could quit the international scene if he is forced to take an extended break from the game.

However, after overseeing the operation Cricket Australia medical officer Dr Trefor James believes he will return to the bowling ranks after going through a bespoke rehabilitation programme.

'He needs to wear a brace for about six weeks before he starts more intensive rehab,' Dr James said.

'His bowling return will be determined in due course as he is assessed by the surgeon and our medical staff.'

Lee, who has taken more than 600 wickets for his country in Test matches and one-day internationals, will be hopeful of making it back in time to take on rivals New Zealand in March next year.

BBC apologises for foulmouthed Boycott rant

The BBC apologised today after listeners heard Geoffrey Boycott shout 'f**king t**ser' during a live radio broadcast.

The outburst came during coverage of England's match against South Africa yesterday morning.

Boycott was not commenting at the time and was unaware he was being broadcast. It is understood his comments were made when Paul Collingwood caught out Ryan McLaren to take the sixth wicket.

It is unclear who the outburst was aimed at.

England went on to bowl South Africa out for 119 with James Anderson getting career best figures of 5-23.

A Radio 5 Live spokesman said: 'An off-air comment made by Geoffrey Boycott in a live broadcast was heard by some listeners which we apologised for as soon as we realised it had been audible.'

Victory in the fourth one-day international at Port Elizabeth means England took a 2-1 lead over their hosts into the final match at Durban.

It is not the first occasion that supposedly off air remarks have got commentators into trouble.

In 2004 former Manchester United manager Ron Atkinson saw his career as a pundit disappear after being heard using racially offensive language to describe Chelsea centre back Marcel Desailly.

Atkinson believed his microphone was switched off but his comments were heard in the Middle East. He was sacked by the ITV and the Guardian.

Boycott too has endured a brush with controversy. In 1998 the 69-year-old Yorkshireman was convicted for assaulting his former girlfriend Margaret Moore.

Strauss: Anderson was 'outstanding'

England captain Andrew Strauss was a very happy man after seeing his side comfortably beat South Africa by seven wickets in Port Elizabeth, and he singled out man-of-the-match James Anderson for special praise.

Anderson was phenomenal with the ball, taking 5-23 in ten overs as England bowled the hosts out for 119 to take a 2-1 ODI series lead.

'I'm pleased with the way the bowlers reacted to the conditions; we were very accurate today,' said Strauss.

'Jimmy Anderson in particular was outstanding, the way he created pressure and then bowled wicket taking deliveries as well.'

It is the first time that Anderson, 27, has taken five wickets in an ODI, while Stuart Broad and Paul Collingwood contributed two wickets apiece and Tim Bresnan dismissed AB de Villiers. Strauss commended the performances of his seam bowlers: 'I'm really delighted for Jimmy but it was really a day for the bowling unit full-stop, to be honest.

'They complimented each other very well and built up pressure.'

England chased down South Africa's total with 112 balls remaining, thanks largely to an unbeaten 52 from Jonathan Trott.

'He played a very mature innings today. It was obviously important that we didn't lose any early wickets and he got stuck in, played good percentage shots and he's looking the part,' said Strauss of his opening partner.

'It's nice to have him onboard.'

Awesome Anderson sets up easy England win

England went 2-1 up with one to play in the ODI series with South Africa after an emphatic seven-wicket win in Port Elizabeth.

The sublime James Anderson took his first five-wicket haul in international 50-over cricket as England laid to rest the ghost of Cape Town on Friday by skittling the hosts out for a pathetic 119 inside 37 overs. Off-spinner Graeme Swann was not even needed as England's seamers ran riot, with Stuart Broad (2-30), Paul Collingwood (2-20) and Tim Bresnan (1-15) all making important contributions.

Alviro Petersen hit his third half-century in as many matches, but he was never ably supported, with AB de Villiers the only other batsman to make it into the twenties.

England lost Andrew Strauss, Kevin Pietersen and Paul Collingwood in their run chase, but Jonathan Trott (52) hit a composed half-century and Eoin Morgan chipped in with 28 as they got home with 18.4 overs to spare.

The tourists named an unchanged side after the drubbing in Cape Town, but South Africa made two changes as Charl Langevelt came in for the injured Dale Steyn and Johan Botha was preferred to Roelof van der Merwe in the spin department.

Graeme Smith won the toss and elected to bat and was quickly made to rue his decision when Stuart Broad had him out lbw in just the second over of the morning. Broad was erratic at best with the new-ball on Friday but found his length straight away with a ball that just pitched on leg-stump, and Hawk-Eye showed it would have held its line and clipped the leg-bail.

It was the perfect start for England and they quickly began to put the South African batsmen under pressure. It all got too much for Hashim Alma (11), who after a period of dot balls, flicked an Anderson delivery straight into the hands of Swann at short mid-wicket.

JP Duminy (6) then came and went in bizarre fashion, as he miss-timed a hook shot off the bowling of Anderson with the ball hitting the back of his bat and looping to Matt Prior, who took the simple catch behind the stumps to leave South Africa 35-3.

The score soon became 55-4 with the dismissal of De Villiers, who hit four boundaries in a breezy 22, when he was adjudged lbw to the economical Tim Bresnan. It was another tight decision, but Hawk-Eye again proved that umpire Rod Tucker had made the correct call.

England were really beginning to the turn the screw and Mark Boucher hit 13 before he had his off-stump ripped out of the ground by an absolute gem of a delivery from Anderson.

Anderson then had Ryan McLaren caught for a duck by Collingwood at point and the hosts were reeling on 78-6. And it wasn't long after that Anderson completed his five-for when Botha feathered a catch through to Prior from a beautiful rising delivery. The Lancastrian fast-bowler finished his sensational spell with 5-23 from his ten overs.

Collingwood then claimed the wicket of Wayne Parnell (1) thanks to an impressive diving catch by Strauss in the gully. It was England's most capped player's 100th ODI scalp and left South Africa on 92-8.

The batsmen then decided to take their batting power play, and Morne Morkel (7) hit a sweet straight drive to the fence before Collingwood trapped him in-front.

Petersen (51) then passed his half-century with a crashing pull-shot, but went for one attacking shot too many when he looped the ball over the head of Luke Wright at mid-on, with the Sussex man managing to pluck a stunning one-handed catch to end the innings.

It was a fabulous display with the ball from England, sending South Africa crashing to their lowest ever ODI score at home.

Strauss and Trott then shared 12 boundaries in a fluent opening stand of 74, but Strauss (32) fell leg-before to off-spinner Botha in his first over. Pietersen (3) soon followed when he chipped to de Villiers off the bowling of Botha, having been dropped by Morkel in the previous over. Collingwood made just a couple when he nicked a McLaren delivery behind but Trott and Morgan comfortably wrapped up the win.

The teams now head to Durban for the series finale on December 4th.

England 'must get used to winning ODIs'

Andrew Strauss has called on England not to rest on their laurels and build on recent one-day international success against South Africa.

The tourists could go into a 2-0 series lead with two more matches to play if they win at Newlands tomorrow.

The first ODI at Wanderers was washed out but immense performances from Paul Collingwood and Jonathan Trott gave England a seven-wicket win at Centurion in the second match.

Strauss said he wanted his team to make sure they capitalised on their form in the final three ODIs and beyond.

'There is a long-term plan in improving our one-day cricket - and these sorts of games are the ones that can really take us forward,' he said.

'We've said in the past we've always responded well to defeat but have not been quite so great on building on a good performance.

'We're going to try to put ourselves under a bit of pressure this game to make sure we build on that.'

But the England captain accepted that Proteas would be doing everything they could to get back on track in Cape Town, where they have a formidable record.

'They are going to come back hard at us,' he said. 'There's no doubt about that.

'They're always competitive anyway but they wouldn't have enjoyed losing that first game. We're expecting them to come here all guns blazing.'

Flintoff: I want to be the best

Andrew Flintoff has stated his desire to become the best one-day cricketer in the world.

The England all-rounder signed a new three-year deal with Lancashire this week as he continues his return from knee surgery.

Flintoff retired from Test cricket following the triumphant Ashes series against Australia this summer.

However, as he continues his rehabilitation from surgery, the 31 year-old has begun plotting his return to the one-day form of the game, in which he believes he can still be a dominant force.

'I do want to be the best one-day player in the world and it's something which I feel I can do,' he said on Friday.

'Just playing the two forms of the game [one-day and Twenty20] I can focus all my attentions on trying to be that player.'

Flintoff admitted his return to the game was still some way off though. Having already spent three months on the sidelines, he predicted he would probably have to spend another 12 weeks away from cricket.

'I'll see the surgeon, he'll re-scan me and he will have a better idea of how the operation has gone and where I'm at with it. He is pretty confident, as am I, he added.

'After I've had the scan I can build back up to running and hopefully get in the nets and start practising some time after Christmas.'

Mustard extends Durham stay

Durham CCC wicketkeeper Phil Mustard has signed a one-year contract extension that will keep him at the Riverside until the end of the 2012 season.

Mustard, 27, was named the Pro40 Division One MVP in 2009 and also claimed the most dismissals in Durham's triumphant County Championship campaign.

The gloveman has also made ten one-day appearances for England, averaging a shade over 23 with a high score of 83 against New Zealand in 2008.

On signing the contract, Mustard said: 'It's been fantastic to be a part of Durham's success over the past few seasons and I wanted to demonstrate my commitment to the club for the coming years by signing on the dotted line for an extra year.

'I've developed a lot over the last season and I feel that my contribution to the side is only going to improve.'

Mustard averaged over 50 with the bat in the NatWest Pro 40 last season, and Durham head coach Geoff Cook was quick to heap praise his performances.

'Phil has matured a great deal over the season, not only with his keeping but as a batsman,' he said.

'He has taken on the responsibility of opening the batting in the one day competition and Twenty20 Cup and delivered some superb results.

'He is undoubtedly an excellent asset behind the stumps as well as a great character to have in the dressing room.'

Durham chief executive David Harker was also pleased to see Mustard had put pen to paper.

'Phil is one of a number of players who have come up through the Academy ranks to become a vital part of our team and we are delighted to be able to confirm his long term commitment to the club,' he added.

Flintoff pens Lancs one-day contract

England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff has pledged his future to Lancashire by signing a new three-year contract to play one-day cricket for the county.

Flintoff, 31, retired from Test cricket at the end of England's victorious Ashes series due to a chronic knee problem and has since made clear his desire to become the best one-day player in the world.

He turned down an incremental contract with England in September, which has made him available to sign for domestic sides across the globe. Lancashire, who he has represented since 1995, is the first to confirm his services.

'Freddie' also has commitments with Indian Premier League side Chennai Super Kings, with whom he signed a lucrative deal in 2008.

On signing the contract, the all-rounder said: 'I am delighted at being able to agree a new contract which enables me to remain at Old Trafford for the next three years.

'I have felt part of Lancashire ever since I first played here as a schoolboy and I want to help them achieve success.

'I am looking forward to being around the Lancashire dressing room more now I have retired from Test cricket and this contract will also give me the flexibility to play other forms of one-day cricket around the world, which hopefully help me develop as a player and in turn, help Lancashire and England.'

Lancashire head coach, and former England team director, Peter Moores expressed his delight at the news: 'Fred is a proven match-winner, and the type of player that lifts a dressing room with his sheer enthusiasm and will to win.

'It's great that he is going to be with us, and I'm sure our supporters will be just as thrilled with the news.'

Kieswetter gets England call

Somerset wicketkeeper Craig Kieswetter has been called into the England Performance Programme (EPP), despite not yet being qualified for his adopted country.

The 21-year-old was born in South Africa and represented the Proteas at Under-19 level but moved to Somerset in 2006 and has long been talked about as a potential England player.

Kieswetter has been named as a 'category B' squad member, designed for players with first-class experience who could graduate to the senior side with one to three years' development.

He will now spend eight weeks training at the National Cricket Performance Centre in Loughborough and CSA High Performance Centre in South Africa during November and December.

If Kieswetter makes the grade and links up with Andy Flower's side in the future, he will be joining fellow countrymen Kevin Pietersen, Jonathan Trott and current England captain Andrew Strauss as players born in South Africa but representing England.

Flower himself is also of southern African origin, having made his name as an opening batsman for Zimbabwe before going into coaching.

England team arrives in South Africa

England have touched down in Bloemfontein ahead of their winter tour of South Africa, which begins later this month.

Led by captain Andrew Strauss, who held a farewell press conference at Heathrow airport yesterday, the team are currently setting up camp in the city, which will be their base for the four-Test and five-ODI tour.

Strauss led his side to victory against Australia in the Ashes series in the summer and despite a 6-1 reverse in the one-day series to the Aussies, England rebounded by beating the Proteas in their backyard on their way to the semi-finals of the Champions Trophy.

Nevertheless, the England skipper is under no illusions about the challenge ahead of his side.

'The tour is going to be tough, we know that,' said Strauss.

'South Africa aren't number one in the world for nothing - they have a good team, a settled team, and we are expecting a stern examination.'

Similarly fast bowler James Anderson says he is looking forward to testing himself against the best side in the world.

“It's up there with Australia in Australia as the toughest tour around,” Anderson told the ECB website.

'They're deservedly number one in the world and playing them in South Africa will be a huge test for us.

'They’re a very similar team to Australia; they've got a very strong captain in Graeme Smith and he brings the best out of his players.

“As we saw when they came over here last year, they’re a very strong side. They’re very difficult to beat and it’s going to be a hard challenge - much harder than this summer.”

The first competitive match of the series is a Twenty20 international at the Wanderers in Johannesburg before a second 20-over contest at Centurion.

The one-day series follows with matches in Jo'burg, Cape Town, Port Elizabeth and Durban before the Test series begins at Centurion on December 16th and ends in mid-January back at the Wanderers.

England team arrives in South Africa

England have touched down in Bloemfontein ahead of their winter tour of South Africa, which begins later this month.

Led by captain Andrew Strauss, who held a farewell press conference at Heathrow airport yesterday, the team are currently setting up camp in the city, which will be their base for the four-Test and five-ODI tour.

Strauss led his side to victory against Australia in the Ashes series in the summer and despite a 6-1 reverse in the one-day series to the Aussies, England rebounded by beating the Proteas in their backyard on their way to the semi-finals of the Champions Trophy.

Nevertheless, the England skipper is under no illusions about the challenge ahead of his side.

'The tour is going to be tough, we know that,' said Strauss.

'South Africa aren't number one in the world for nothing - they have a good team, a settled team, and we are expecting a stern examination.'

Similarly fast bowler James Anderson says he is looking forward to testing himself against the best side in the world.

“It's up there with Australia in Australia as the toughest tour around,” Anderson told the ECB website.

'They're deservedly number one in the world and playing them in South Africa will be a huge test for us.

'They’re a very similar team to Australia; they've got a very strong captain in Graeme Smith and he brings the best out of his players.

“As we saw when they came over here last year, they’re a very strong side. They’re very difficult to beat and it’s going to be a hard challenge - much harder than this summer.”

The first competitive match of the series is a Twenty20 international at the Wanderers in Johannesburg before a second 20-over contest at Centurion.

The one-day series follows with matches in Jo'burg, Cape Town, Port Elizabeth and Durban before the Test series begins at Centurion on December 16th and ends in mid-January back at the Wanderers.

Surrey axe falls on Tudor

Former England fast-bowler Alex Tudor has been released from his contract with Surrey CCC.

Tudor, 32, played in 10 Test matches for England between 1998 and 2002, with the highlights being a truly memorable 99 not out as nightwatchman against New Zealand in 1999 and 5-44 against Australia at Trent Bridge in 2001.

But his career has been cruelly plagued by injuries, which has seen him play just 129 first-class matches in 14 years.

He took 220 first-class wickets at 28.41 in his two spells with Surrey, having spent three seasons with Essex in-between. Tudor only rejoined Surrey last season but must now find a new club for 2010.

Also leaving the Brit Oval is West Indian paceman Pedro Collins, 33, who took 106 scalps in 32 Tests at an average of 34.63.

Speaking about the decision to release the duo, Surrey professional cricket manager Chris Adams said:

'Both Alex and Pedro are fine players in their own right but the time had come for them to take on a new challenge.

'I wish them both the best of luck with their future plans and thank them for their contribution to Surrey County Cricket Club.'

The Brown Caps have also announced that eight new contracts have been awarded.

Two-year deals have been handed to batsmen Stewart Walters, Matthew Spriegel, Arun Harinath and Michael Brown; bowlers Stuart Meaker and Simon King and wicket keeper Gary Wilson. There is also a one-year contract for seam bowler Tim Linley.

'All the players that have recently agreed new deals have yet to reach their potential for this club and I look forward to exciting times ahead when they are all consistently performing at the height of their ability,' Adams added.

Surrey sign Chawla for 2010

Surrey have announced the signing of Indian leg spinner Piyush Chawla for the 2010 domestic season.

The 20-year-old, who played for Sussex last season and took 36 first-class wickets, will return to England in 2010 after an explosive first season on these shores.

Chawla scored 102 not out from 86 balls and then took 6-152 as Sussex beat Worcestershire by ten wickets, then in his second game he took impressive match figures of 11-170 against Somerset.

He will join up with his new team-mates at the end of the 2010 Indian Premier League, where he plays for the Kings XI Punjab and has 29 wickets at an average of just over 24.

Surrey professional cricket manager Chris Adams said: 'There were two clear objectives in picking our overseas signing for next season.

'I wanted the player to be of true international class and I wanted them to be able to commit to spending the vast majority of their season with us - Piyush fulfills both requirements handsomely.

'There is a fine spin tradition at Surrey which runs from Jim Laker and Tony Lock to Ian Salisbury, Harbhajan Singh and Saqlain Mushtaq and I hope our latest arrival will one day take his place alongside those names.'

Managing director of Surrey cricket Gus Mackay added: 'After the problems we have suffered in the past I am very pleased we can announce the signing of a world-class overseas player so early in our pre-season schedule.

'The knowledge of this signing will bring a solidity to our preparations that can only be highly beneficial.'

The capture of Indian star Chawla is Surrey's third signing of the winter, with England internationals Steven Davies and Gareth Batty both joining the club from Worcestershire.

Leicestershire close in on Hoggard deal

Leicestershire have offered former Yorkshire and England fast bowler Matthew Hoggard a three-year contract to join them from the start of next season.

The county's senior coach Tim Boon and chief executive David Smith have revealed they met Hoggard, 32, on Monday to discuss personal terms and Smith claims the two parties are 'in the ball park' when it comes to an agreement.

'Matthew likes what we are doing here and he knows Tim well,' added Smith.

'I came away from the meeting feeling that we are in with a shout.'

Hoggard is expected to entertain a number of offers before choosing his destination for next season, although he is thought to be demanding a minimum three-year contract.

Although Smith is determined to get his money's worth from the seamer, who the chief executive says will play in limited-overs matches with the Foxes.

'He hasn't played much one-day cricket recently but he will play that with us,' he continued.

'I think he needs a new challenge. I think we would say we were hopeful.'

Hoggard left home county Yorkshire under a cloud earlier this month when he revealed to the press his 'disappointment' at being cut from the playing staff, having been offered a new contract earlier in the season.

However, Yorkshire bosses countered by saying Hoggard's wage demands were too high and chastised him for going public with the announcement after initially agreeing to release a joint statement with his county.

PCB reject Younus resignation

Younus Khan's resignation as national team captain has been rejected, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has confirmed.

The 31-year-old quit last week despite being cleared over allegations of match-fixing at a hearing of the National Assembly standing committee.

However, PCB chairman Ejaz Butt said he had rejected Younus' letter of resignation and expects the batsman to continue leading the side at least until the Cricket World Cup in 2011.

'I have not accepted Younus Khan's resignation,' said Butt.

'I realise and understand his reaction and had I been in his place I would have done the same.'

'But there is no justification in removing him as captain.'

Younus earned hero status back home in Pakistan after leading his unfancied side to glory in the World Twenty20 in England over the summer, just six months after taking over from Shoaib Malik as captain.

However, below-par performances at the Champions Trophy in South Africa drew widespread criticism and prompted Pakistan National Assembly chairman Jamshed Dasti to claim he had evidence the team deliberately underperformed.

Dasti has since claimed he was misquoted by the media and withdrew his allegations.

Key signs new long-term Kent contract

Kent have announced that Rob Key has been reappointed as club captain after he signed a new long-term contract with the county.

The England international batsman, who has been with Kent throughout his entire professional career spanning 11 years, has scored more than 14,000 runs at an average of 42.33.

And Key said he is 'very happy' to commit his future to the club.

'There have been lots of rumours about me leaving the club but at no stage have I spoken or have other clubs spoken to me,' he said.

'I am and always will be committed to trying to win trophies and bring success to Kent County Cricket Club.'

Key has been continually in and around the international set-up but is regarded as something of a forgotten talent - having never cemented a regular spot in the England squad.

Nevertheless, Kent chairman of cricket Graham Johnson hailed Key's 'tremendous contribution' to Kent 'both as a player and captain', and said the county's selection had voted unanimously to retain him as skipper.

'We see him, along with some other key players, as being the core of our side so I am very pleased that he has committed his long-term future to Kent,' Johnson explained.

'He was open and honest throughout contract talks and brought a sense of fun to discussions.

'We look forward to him continuing to bring these characteristics to what he does, both on and off the field.'