New Zealand international bowler Ben Lister signs for Kent until the end of the season – barring any international call-ups

A New Zealand international has joined Kent on a multi-format deal until the end of the season - barring any potential international call-ups.

Left-arm seamer Ben Lister has 67 first-class wickets in 29 matches at an average of 26.17, playing for Auckland in New Zealand’s Plunket Shield.

He will be available for Kent in their last three County Championship matches of the summer in September against Nottinghamshire, Somerset and Lancashire as they aim to avoid relegation from Division 1.

The 27-year-old will also potentially be available for what is described as “very select Metro Bank One-Day Cup fixtures as a Kent Spitfire”, working around his international schedule, with the club in contact with Cricket New Zealand.

Lister, who is yet to play a Test match for his country but made his T20 and One-Day International debuts earlier in the year, said: “I’m really keen to be playing in the County Championship for the first time this September, as well as maybe helping us defend our 50-over title this year.

“This is a club with a big history and I’m very excited to play for Kent.”

He’s a two-time Ford Trophy winner, New Zealand’s premier domestic 50-over competition, featuring in the Finals in 2018 and 2020.

Director of cricket Paul Downton said: “We’re delighted that Ben will be joining us for our Championship run-in in September and to, also, potentially have him available for a part of the One-Day Cup.

“He is a rising talent in New Zealand cricket as a multi-format bowler and his left-arm seam will provide an added dimension to our bowling attack.”

Defending champions Spitfires play their second 50-over match of the campaign against Leicestershire at Beckenham on Sunday and take on Lancashire in Blackpool on Wednesday.