A South African fast bowler who had his promising start to Kent’s season cut short due to injury has agreed to rejoin for the entire 2026 campaign.
Right-arm paceman Keith Dudgeon, 29, initially joined on a short-term overseas deal and took career first-class best figures of 7-36 on debut in the 145-run County Championship Division 2 victory at Northamptonshire in early April.
But a knee injury ended his chances of making any further Kent appearances.
Dudgeon will now return from April 2026 until September, though, and will be available for selection in all formats.
He said: “It’s a huge case of unfinished business for me and I’m sure it seems that way for the Kent fans.
“I’m so pleased to be a Kent player again for the whole of next season.
“Everyone at the club made me feel so welcome in my short time in Canterbury and I have been avidly watching the lads as much as I can from South Africa as I continue to work hard to get back to full fitness.
“I wish them all the very best for the rest of this year.
“I’m looking forward to making more appearances for Kent next summer – including my home debut!
“I’d like to thank Adam [Hollioake, head coach], Simon [Cook, director of cricket] and the board at Kent for putting their faith in me.”
Dudgeon has 72 wickets in 47 appearances at 23.77 in List A cricket and has a T20 economy rate of 7.62, having taken 40 wickets in 38 appearances in his career.
“Keith made a lasting impression on us during his short but sweet time earlier in this season,” director of cricket Cook said.
“He’s progressing well in his rehab work after successful knee surgery and is due to start playing again before Christmas for his domestic side in South Africa, Boland.
“We’re all looking forward to welcoming back to the group for the whole of 2026.”
Kent Spitfires will travel to Sussex Sharks for their latest T20 Blast South group game tomorrow night.
