van Jaarsveld commits to Kent

Despite interest from other counties, Martin van Jaarsveld has signed an extension to his contract at Kent until 2012.

Both Surrey and Lancashire had expressed interest in van Jaarsveld, who was voted the PCA Player of the Year in 2008, but the 35-year-old Kolpak player has decided to stay put.

"This has been a difficult decision for me to make. Since arriving at the club my family has made many friends and I have much enjoyed my time in the county," said van Jaarsveld. "It has been flattering to have received offers from other clubs, but I feel for my cricketing future and for my family Kent is where I wish to remain."

Graham Johnson, Kent's chairman of cricket, added: "Everyone at the club is delighted that Martin has agreed to continue his career with Kent.  Since he joined us in 2005, his contributions both on and off the field to the development of Kent cricket have been outstanding. Martin has been one of the most successful players in county cricket in recent years, and it is great news that he has decided to continue his career at Kent."