Dewald Nel signs two-year Kent deal

Dewald Nel, Scotland's fast-medium opening bowler, has joined Kent on a two-year contract. Nel, 29, has previous county experience with Worcestershire, and had been on Kent's radar after an impressive performance in a recent trial.

"We are delighted to sign a bowler of Dewald's quality and experience," said Paul Farbrace, Kent's team director. "He is a credit to Cricket Scotland and the current coaching set up. I am looking forward to him making a telling contribution with us at Kent. I am also excited by the close link between our coaching staff and the Scottish staff. This could really be to the benefit of all concerned."

Nel, who moved to Scotland from South Africa as a teenager, made his first-class and list A debuts in 2004, and after a slow start to his international career has played in 18 one-day internationals, 10 Twenty20 internationals and 14 first-class games, with steady results. He is currently one of six players contracted full-time with Scotland, along with Majid Haq, Gordon Goudie, Kyle Coetzer, Calum MacLeod and, most recently, Richie Berrington.

"While we are disappointed to lose Dewald for the majority of our summer programme, we are pleased that he has earned a second chance to play county cricket," said Scotland head coach Pete Steindl. "Dee has worked hard since becoming one of our first full time contracted players and we are pleased this has paid off for him.

"We have been impressed at the open and honest way Paul Farbrace and Kent have approached this deal and we now hope to build a mutually beneficial relationship, which will help Dewald become a major player for Kent and Scotland."

Kent's bowling stocks had been depleted by the loss of Ryan McLaren and Martin Saggers at the end of last year's season, and a potential deal with Stuart Clark, the Australian seamer, was scuppered by doubts over the bowler's fitness.