Has real pedigree

Kent have secured the signing of Hamidullah Qadri on a three-year deal from 2020. The Afghanistan-born off spinner, who was raised in Derby, made his first-class debut for Derbyshire against Glamorgan at the age of 16 in 2017.

He produced career-best bowling figures of 5-60 in the second innings of that game. The 18-year-old has picked up 23 first-class wickets in 10 games, with his bright first impressions having earned him an England under-19s debut in August 2017.

He has since made 18 more appearances across England’s youth teams, taking 23 wickets including career best figures of 5-61 against India’s under-19s in a YODI at Chelmsford in August .

Qadri, who was born in Kandahar, said: “I’m really excited to have the opportunity to play Division 1 first-class cricket here at Kent.

“I have only heard good things about the set-up here and when Kent asked about my availability, it was a very attractive offer and one that I couldn’t turn down.”

Kent’s director of cricket Paul Downton added: “Hamid is an excellent prospect and we’re delighted to secure his services.

“He’s a self-taught natural spinner of the ball who has impressed at all levels. “Working with the England Young Lions spin coach and our new head of talent pathway, Min Patel, he is the Young Lions’ leading spinner. “With the chance to continue working with Min, and also with (former player) James Tredwell in the winter, we believe he will continue to develop into a really exciting cricketer.

“We have a number of talented young players here at Kent and Hamid adds to that talent pool.”

Min Patel has worked with Hamidullah Qadri before