Kent batting all-rounder Joe Denly grateful to be given new contract until the end of the 2025 season

Joe Denly is grateful to have been handed a long-term contract extension at Kent.

Denly, from Whitstable, is set to stay until at least the end of the 2025 season.

That’s quite a significant commitment from the hierarchy to a 37-year-old, although Academy graduate Denly had captained Kent Spitfires last season in their triumphant Royal London One-Day Cup campaign and remains an integral part of their squad.

“I’m delighted to commit more years to Kent,” he said.

“I’ve played here, obviously, from a very young age.

"I suppose, when you get to my age, it’s nice to have that backing from the club that I’ve still got a few more years left in me.

“So I’m looking forward to, hopefully, contributing to a very exciting squad and, hopefully, bringing more trophies to the club.”

Denly predicts there will be a huge summer ahead for both county and country, with a home Ashes series around the corner.

And the batting all-rounder recalls what he remembers of being involved in the 2019 home series which saw Australia retain the urn after the series had been drawn 2-2.

“That’s always spoken about when it’s an Ashes summer,” he said.

“I think it’s exciting for every English player. You dream of playing in an Ashes series and I’ve been lucky enough to play in one myself.

“It’s an incredible time of the year. I’ll always remember that first ball bowled at Edgbaston where I had goosebumps on arms kind of stuff.

"The noise and atmosphere in those games is quite incredible.

“I’m sure a lot of young English guys are hopeful of being part of that.”

England head into the series, having adopted a new attacking style under skipper Ben Stokes and head coach Brendon McCullum.

Denly, who has 16 One-Day International England caps and 15 Test caps to