Heino boosts top order

Kent have signed South African batsman Heino Kuhn, subject to him getting a visa and registration. Kuhn is joining the club on a Kolpak registration and will be available in all formats. The 33-year-old has played four Test matches for South Africa and seven T20 internationals. He made his Test debut against England at Lord’s in 2017. He has scored almost 10,000 first-class runs at an average of 43.99 with 23 centuries and 46 fifties. He has won domestic oneday and four-day titles for Northerns, as well as three successive South African T20 titles with reigning champions Titans. In one-day games, he has scored 3,795 runs at an average of 30.6 and has amassed 1,403 T20 runs at an average of 25 and strike rate at above 125 runs per 100 balls. His Test call-up came after he scored 200 not out for South Africa A against Hampshire at the Ageas Bowl last summer. Kuhn told the club’s website: “I’m delighted to get the opportunity to play county cricket and I’m looking forward to joining the Kent squad. “I want to contribute positively to the team and bring my experience from winning trophies in South Africa.” Director of cricket Paul Downton said: “We believe Heino can complement our talented batsmen across the three formats and serve as a mentor to those coming through the ranks.”

Kent’s first home pre-season friendly has been called off due to a wet outfield at The Spitfire Ground. They were due to face Hampshire in a two-day game beginning today (Thursday).

Kent have announced they made a profit for the year ending October 31, 2017 of £200,997.

Marden Cricket Club will be in their new home for the 2018 season. They are following the village hockey teams to Maidstone Road and will play their first game, a friendly against Blue House, on Sunday, April 29. Marden will start the campaign in temporary changing rooms while work continues on the pavilion, which should be finished by August.