Kent sign India's Navdeep Saini to boost bowling ranks

Kent have boosted their bowling ranks with the signing of an international paceman.

Navdeep Saini has joined Kent for up to three County Championship and five Royal London Cup matches.

It's a massive boost for Kent on the back of a batting collapse that saw them defeated by Northamptonshire at Canterbury on Thursday.

They've struggled to take 20 wickets and the county have confirmed Saini could feature at Warwickshire on Tuesday alongside Matt Henry, the popular New Zealand paceman who returns to Kent this week.

Kent director of cricket Paul Downton said: "In a year when it’s been difficult to take wickets, we’re excited to have the opportunity to add a fast bowler of Navdeep’s quality to our squad.’’

Saini, 29, has represented his country in all forms of the game after making his IT20 debut for India in August 2019. He's played two Tests for India, both in Australia during their successful 2021 tour.

He is capable of clocking 95mph and has taken 148 first-class wickets at 28.80 with a career bowling economy of 2.92.

The right-armer will wear his preferred shirt number of 96 and will follow in the footsteps of Rahul Dravid to become the second Indian Test cricketer to play for the county.

Saini said: “It’s a great opportunity to play county cricket and I’m looking forward to giving my all for Kent."