Kent sign Harry Finch on permanent deal

The former Sussex batter has spent time in both of the last two seasons at Canterbury on short-term contracts

Harry Finch has joined Kent on a permanent basis after short-term stints at the county in each of the last two seasons.

The former Sussex batter, who has agreed a two-year deal, first joined Kent in 2021 after a Covid outbreak in their first-team squad left the club effectively needing to fill an emergency squad. On his debut – against Sussex – he made a second-innings hundred to save the game.

During the same spell, he made 77 in a T20 Blast group-stage win over Middlesex en route to Kent winning the title.

A year later, he returned for the Royal London Cup, with Kent decimated in their batting department by The Hundred. He averaged 38.6, filling a variety of roles as his side won the competition.

"I'm delighted to have signed for Kent, I've absolutely loved playing here over the last couple of seasons," he said. "To win a trophy and now sign permanently has topped off a special couple of months.

^{Finch has played games in Kent's T20 Blast and Royal London Cup title wins in the last two summers (Jacques Feeney/Getty Images)}

"It's personally been a challenging couple of years for me trying to get back in the game, so for Kent to give me this opportunity, I feel very grateful and honoured. I can't wait to get started and I'm looking forward to helping the club win matches and more trophies."

Finch has both captained and kept wicket for Kent's second team and joins at an opportune moment, following the departures of Darren Stevens and Ollie Robinson, which have opened up batting spots. Robinson's exit means that Finch's wicketkeeping might well be called upon; Sam Billings' availability is often governed by England and franchise commitments, with Jordan Cox also on similar radars.

Kent director of cricket Paul Downton added: "Harry has made a really positive impact whenever he has had the opportunity to play for us and he fully deserves the chance to join the club on a full-time contract.

"He is a mature and enthusiastic character who has the ability to bat anywhere from one to seven in the order, in all formats of the game."