George Linde’s Kent stay ends as South African all-rounder pursues franchise cricket opportunities overseas

South African all-rounder George Linde’s Kent stay has ended.

Overseas player Linde, 31, joined ahead of their 2022 season on a two-year all-format contract but instead will now pursue franchise opportunities overseas, rather than see out the summer in Canterbury.

He made 38 appearances for Kent overall, as he scored 622 runs and claimed 42 wickets.

The left-armer was a part of the squad which won last year’s Royal London One-Day Cup but won’t be involved in their 50-over title defence, having struggled to put in as many match-winning performances as Kent would have hoped.

Becoming a father earlier this year as he missed the early stages of this term, Linde played regularly in Spitfires’ T20 Blast campaign but hasn’t featured in County Championship Division 1 this summer.

He said: “I’d like to thank everyone at Kent - my team-mates and coaches, as well as all the staff, members and supporters, for making me feel a part of the Kent Cricket family during my time here.

“Unfortunately, I haven’t had much opportunity to play in the four-day game this year, so I have decided to try and play more franchise cricket.

“I wish the club the very best for the rest of the season and for the future.”

It leaves Kent with one overseas player, Indian bowler Arshdeep Singh, with it being reported earlier this week fellow fast bowler Wes Agar has returned to Australia over concerns over an injury he has.

Kent director of cricket Paul Downton, set to retire at the end of the season, said: “We thank George for his two seasons of service to Kent and he leaves us with our best wishes.”

Third-bottom Kent visit second-placed Essex in County Championship Division 1 from next Wednesday.