Makhaya Ntini joins Kent for a month

Makhaya Ntini will play for Kent for the next month of the season as the county fills the gap left by Stuart Clark's withdrawal.

Ntini, who was dropped by South Africa midway through the series against England but has retained his central contract, will then be replaced by Malinga Bandara, the Sri Lanka legspinner, later in the summer.

"I'm delighted to sign Makhaya. He's got a fantastic record and is a proven Test match seam bowler," said coach Paul Farbrace. "He has got a tremendous work ethic and is a similar character to Stuart Clark. He will be a great asset to the dressing room and everyone is excited by his arrival."

Kent's chief executive, Jamie Clifford, added. "While it was disappointing to learn that Stuart Clark wasn't coming because of injury, it is fantastic that we have now been able to secure the services of another true world-class bowler.

"Paul has been working very hard on trying to bring someone of undoubted quality to the club and that effort and dedication has now paid off. Like our supporters, I look forward to seeing Makhaya star in a Kent shirt."

When it appeared his international career would be over, Ntini became a target of Middlesex for a Kolpak deal but once he was given a national contract those plans fell through. Ntini has spent the last two months with Chennai Super Kings at the IPL but hasn't played a match during the tournament.

Meanwhile, Cricket South Africa have confirmed that Loots Bosman, the opening batsman, has been given a No Objection Certificate to link up with Derbyshire in June following the conclusion of the World Twenty20 in West Indies.