NORTHEAST EXCITED BY OVERSEAS STARS

Sam Northeast says Kent’s overseas signings are giving his squad a shot in the arm at crucial points of their promotion push.

After Wayne Parnell’s earlyseason spell, Yasir Shah is the latest international star to sign up for a stint and is set to make the first of four appearances at the club in this week’s clash with Durham at Canterbury.

Northeast said: “He’s a fantastic bowler, he’s right up there in the rankings in Test bowlers at the moment and adds to a side that is already full of confidence. We’re looking forward to seeing what he can do.

“He seems like he’s got great control, it’ll be brilliant. He’s not one of the biggest turners but his line and length are always threatening – he’ll work with the slope well.

“We’re excited to see someone of his calibre at work and producing magic as we know he can do.”

With New Zealand paceman Adam Milne set to arrive for next month’s T20 campaign and the possibility of another new face still to sign, Kent have opted for a conveyor-belt of talent this summer rather than one season-long deal.

Northeast said: “We’d love to have an overseas all year if we could but the way the international schedule works now you can’t just get people for a long period of time.

“It’s great to have someone of Shah’s calibre coming into our squad. Everyone’s excited. It gives a real big lift about the place and it’s great that we can get someone like that.

“We have people coming in for short spells but we hope they can make a big impact.”

Mitch Claydon is back available after compassionate leave but James Harris has been recalled by Middlesex – although Kent hope he’ll return for a third month at some point.

Northeast said: “James has done brilliantly for us. He’s a wicket-taker and has taken some crucial wickets. We’ve enjoyed having him and we’d love to have him back. He fitted in well.”

Leaders Notts were saved from defeat at home to Derbyshire by the rain on Monday not that Northeast was too perturbed.

He said: “We have been going about our business, we can’t concentrate on what else going on in our is

division. Every game is tough in Division 2, everyone has strengthened. We’re in a good place.” Jason Gillespie’s stay as interim assistant coach is set to end this week as he heads back Down Under ahead of leading Australia A against South Africa. Northeast said: “He’s going to be missed but he’s put in a lot of good steps towards us playing good cricket at the moment and hopefully we can take that through. I hope he’s enjoyed it and we definitely have. We hope to see him back in the future.”