England leg-spinner Matt Parkinson to join Kent Spitfires on loan for their 2023 One-Day Cup defence

An early tonic has been handed to Kent Spitfires’ One-Day Cup defence with their first signing for next summer set to join on loan for this year’s competition.

Kent revealed England leg-spinner Matt Parkinson will link up with them from Lancashire last month on a three-year contract from this November.

All-rounder Joey Evison signed for them at a similar stage last year. He agreed a three-year deal then but also immediately joined on loan for their successful 2022 50-over cup campaign.

A similar agreement has now been struck with Parkinson, 26, and Lancashire for the entirety of the competition, prior to Kent’s first One-Day Cup clash against Yorkshire in Scarborough next Tuesday.

“I’m really excited to join Kent in the One-Day Cup,” said Parkinson.

“It will be great to meet everyone at the club ‘early’ and to show everyone what I can do before I make the move to Canterbury at the end of the year.”

Retiring Kent director of cricket Paul Downton added: “There has been plenty of excitement around the club since we announced that Matt will be joining us next season.

“It will be great to welcome him early to Kent for the One-Day Cup, starting next week.”

The arrival of Parkinson is a massive boost for Kent and their depleted squad.

Head coach Matt Walker, club captain Sam Billings, fellow wicketkeeper Jordan Cox and opening batsman Tawanda Muyeye (Oval Invincibles) - as well as Dutch bowler Fred Klaassen and England batsman Zak Crawley (Manchester Originals), and Daniel Bell-Drummond (London Spirit) - are away at The Hundred competition next month.

On top of all that, all-rounder Grant Stewart is on international duty at present with Italy while Joe Denly (side), Nathan Gilchrist (leg) and Marcus O’Riordan (shoulder) are