Two overseas signings have been made by Kent to bolster their bowling ranks ahead of the new season.
South African right-arm pace bowler Keith Dudgeon and Pakistan Test seam bowler Kashif Ali will join head coach Adam Hollioake’s new-look side for the start of the 2025 County Championship Division 2 campaign.
They will be available from their opening match, away to Northamptonshire from next Friday, until the conclusion of Kent’s trip to Derbyshire in late May.
The news comes with Australian overseas bowler Wes Agar’s third Kent return having been pushed back to the end of May due to his extended Australian summer commitments with South Australia while Kent have already been hit with injuries to seam bowler Matt Quinn (lower limb) and batting all-rounder Joe Denly (fractured arm).
“We’re delighted to welcome Keith and Kashif to Canterbury for the start of the season,” said Kent director of cricket Simon Cook.
“They are both good bowlers and both will, we feel, complement our existing bowling unit well during their time here. We acted quickly to identify and secure their signatures as soon as it became clear that Wes Agar would only be available for June and July.
“Keith is a proven wicket-taker in South African domestic cricket and has the ability to make a difference.
“Kashif is a slightly more patient operator and will give us the ability to limit opposition runs and build pressure that, hopefully, our other bowlers can capitalise on.
“We’re looking forward to welcoming Wes back to Canterbury – albeit slightly later than anticipated.
“He’s a big part of our dressing room and has already proven his ability with both the red and white ball.”
Dudgeon, 29, has 224 first-class wickets in his career so far at an average of 25.79.
He said: “I’m extremely excited to be joining Kent and help the side win matches. It’s a county with such a rich history.
“I’m looking to make a big impression.
“Playing county cricket is such a big deal for South Africans and I’m looking to take this opportunity with both hands.
“I’d like to thank the club for showing faith in me and to the supporters; you will get every inch out of me every day.”
Having made his Pakistan Test bow against the West Indies in January, Ali has 110 first-class wickets at 28.01.
“I’d like to thank Kent for putting faith in me and giving me the opportunity to play county cricket,” he said.
“I’m excited to play for this great team and I will always do my best every time I wear a Kent shirt.”
Both moves are subject to regulatory approval.
Australian bowling all-rounder Tom Rogers will also play for Kent Spitfires in the group stages of this summer’s T20 Blast competition.
