Bowlers Haggett and Thomas leave Kent

Kent have released bowlers Calum Haggett and Ivan Thomas.

The duo were out of contract at the end of the 2020 season, so their departures do not come as a major surprise with the county expected to trim their squad before next summer.

Haggett, 29, didn’t feature in the Bob Willis Trophy this summer and played only three T20 Blast matches - conceding 93 runs in the nine overs he bowled. Haggett, part of the Kent team that reached the One-day Cup final in 2018, said: “Thanks to everyone at Kent (for) making my time here so enjoyable. That’s not just the players and coaches, but also the groundsmen, office staff and, of course, the members and supporters. “It has been an honour to play for Kent and call the county my home. I’ve enjoyed every minute of it and I’m very grateful to Kent for giving me the opportunity to play professional cricket.

“An obvious highlight is reaching the One Day Cup final at Lord’s in 2018. We didn’t get the result we wanted, but to get to represent Kent at the ‘Home of Cricket’ in a cup final is what most youngsters dream of.

“I wish the club all the best going forward, and will be following the progress of my teammates in the coming years.”

Thomas, also 29, missed all of the 2019 season following an anterior cruciate ligament injury but featured in two Bob Willis Trophy matches this summer. He took 4-32 in the second innings at Essex but those were his only victims with the ball.

“Thank you to everyone who has made it possible for me to spend the last decade at the club,” he said. “Not just the players and coaches, but the office staff, ground staff and the members and supporters too.

“I’m gutted that I couldn’t have spent another decade here, but I’m thankful for the opportunities I’ve been given. “Playing a role in the Championship promotion season in 2018 will be a highlight of my time at Kent, and I hope the team can go on to win Division 1. “The squad looks in an incredible place with every potential of winning trophies in all formats, and I wish all of the Kent lads the best of luck going forward.”