Blake signs a new deal

Kent cricket

Kent batsman Alex Blake has signed a contract extension with the county. The 28-year-old Kent Cricket Academy graduate made his debut in a oneday match against Surrey at Canterbury in 2007 and last year received his county cap. He said: “I’m delighted to extend my contract at Kent. “As a local lad, I love representing my home county, having been part of the set up here since I was nine. “I feel I’ve got a lot to offer the team across all three formats of the game – next summer can’t come soon enough and I can’t wait to be a part of a team trying to push for domestic honours. “I look forward to joining back up with the squad to start our preparation for next season.” Blake hit his maiden List A century this summer with a 46-ball hundred against Somerset at Taunton in May. He has won the Fielder of the Year three times and it was his direct hit from the final ball which sealed a dramatic T20 tie against Sussex at Hove in July. Kent’s chairman of cricket Graham Johnson said: “Alex has broken the mould by earning his county cap predominantly through contributions in white-ball cricket. “We’re delighted he has committed his future to the club as we believe he is a batsman capable of contributing in all formats.”