Clark signs up for Kent

Stuart Clark will be joining Kent as an overseas player for the first half of next season. Clark, who has also enjoyed brief stints with Hampshire and Middlesex, had been set to fill the overseas role for Kent last summer before being recalled by Australia during the Ashes.

"Stuart is a tremendous character and has the ability and experience that we are looking for", said Graham Johnson, Kent's chairman of cricket. "He is a genuine wicket-taker and will bring a great amount to the side. He has a positive outlook and will prove a great addition."

"We are delighted to finally sign Stuart," added Paul Farbrace, the county's team director. "He is an attractive signing for us because he is not playing in the Indian Premier League and will be available for the first half of the summer. He is an exceptional bowler and will offer a lot, both on and off the field."

Clark has represented his country 24 times in Test matches, taking 94 wickets at a miserly 23.86, but was discarded after Australia's unsuccessful Ashes campaign. While conceding that his international career is in all likelihood over, the 34-year-old has identified a county stint as a new career objective.