Northeast extends contract

Sam Northeast has signed a long-term contract extension with Kent. The 25-year-old, who has been leading the side since Rob Key stepped down, said: “I am delighted to commit my future to the club. “I’m Kent born and bred and it’s such an exciting time for Kent Cricket with the group of players we have and the talent coming through from our Academy. “I’ve enjoyed my cricket and the challenge of captaincy this summer, so there was never any thought of going elsewhere. “With our return to a new-look County Ground, Beckenham and the continuing redevelopment of The Spitfire Ground, St Lawrence, the future is bright at Kent and I want to be a part of that.” Kent chief executive Jamie Clifford said: “We are delighted to agree terms with Sam. His form this year in all forms of the game has been excellent, notably in a series of matchwinning innings in the NatWest T20 Blast. “He is a fine leader and has the respect of the dressing room among senior players and youngsters alike.”

Kent paceman David Griffiths’ season is over, cut short by a back injury. Griffiths, who has only played two NatWest T20 Blast South Group games this season, had surgery on Monday. He made his Kent debut last season after being released by Hampshire in 2013. Kent assistant coach Matt Walker said: “It’s sad news. I don’t think he expected this outcome and neither did we. “We haven’t had him for much cricket this season but we are going to miss him because I believe he is the best bowler at the death in the country. “On the positive side, the good news is that we know what the problem is, we can get it fixed and move forward. “We all want to see him back fit and raring to go.”