Billings pens new contract

Captain Sam Billings has given Kent a major boost by penning a two-year contract extension.

Billings, 28, had already been contracted to the club until the end of this summer but now has committed his future with Kent until at least the end of the 2022 campaign.

The wicketkeeper-batsman has played 218 matches for Kent in all formats and amassed 6,408 runs, including 10 centuries and 34 half-centuries. He has also taken 260 catches and made 32 stumpings.

“I’m a Kent man through and through,” he said.

“I’ve been at Kent since I was eight, so being at this club means a lot to me. It’s home. “We’ve made so much progress over the last two years, and it’s great being back in (County Championship) Division 1 for the first time in over a decade and proving that we have the squad to compete at this level.

“As an ambitious player, youalwayswanttobeinan environment that constantly pushes you and that you can add to, as well.”

Kent’s director of cricket Paul Downton said: “I am delighted that Sam has committed his future to Kent for at least the next three seasons. For the first time in several years, he is not going to the IPL, and therefore has a great opportunity to play the whole Championship season for the county, as well as the Vitality Blast.” Kent start their season with a trip to Lancashire in the County Championship on April 12.