Denly signs two-year extension at Kent

Joe Denly has agreed a two-year extension to his contract with Kent. Denly, who made his England one-day international debut last year, will be at St Lawrence until the end of the 2011 season.

At 23 years old, he is one of the brightest prospects on the county circuit and despite having a slightly disappointing first-class season in 2009, where he made 542 runs at 41.69, he impressed with England Performance Programme in South Africa last December, making 217 against Northerns.

Denly said he was pleased to commit to the county that nurtured his development. "My heart is with Kent County Cricket Club, so I'm delighted to sign this new deal. I love the club, the fans and the county so I could never say no to staying here."

Kent won Division Two of the Championship last season and are looking to for greater results next year. Denly's deal comes a day after the announcement that Sri Lankan legspinner Malinga Bandara will be joining for the second half of next season. Paul Farbrace, the team director, said: "We are all delighted that Joe has chosen to extend his deal for the next two seasons. He is a key part of what we are trying to do here."