Fast bowler Mikey Cohen has penned a Kent contract extension – despite playing only three first-class matches in an injury-hit first two years with the county.
Cape Town-born Cohen, a former South Africa under-19 international that qualifies as a domestic player through residency, will now remain at Kent until at least the end of this summer.
Having finally returned to full fitness, the left-armer is relishing the chance to work alongside bowling consultant and Kent club legend Darren Stevens, as well as new bowling coach Sam Faulkner.
Cohen, 27, said: “I’m very happy to commit to Kent for another season.
“It’s a privilege to play for Kent and I’m grateful for the opportunity to represent this great club in the coming summer.
“I’ve loved the opportunity to work closely with club legend Darren Stevens, alongside bowling lead Sam Faulkner, and I’m very excited about what’s to come this year.”
Cohen joined in November 2023 but a back injury meant he had to wait until August to make his Kent debut against Sussex Sharks in the Metro Bank One-Day Cup, taking a wicket with his second ball, as he finished with figures of 4-65 in a three-wicket loss.
Kent fans will already have serious concerns about the fitness records of a bowling attack, which also includes seam bowler Matt Quinn – who has played five Kent first-team fixtures in all competitions since September 2023 – and the returning Matt Milnes. The latter rejoins Kent after his own injury-hit three-year stay at Yorkshire.
“Mikey’s character and determination through adversity has been exceptional and all of us were extremely pleased for him when he made an instant impact on his return from injury this year,” added director of cricket Simon Cook.
“He has been training well this winter and has worked closely with the club’s medical team to ensure that he is ready to continue his return to playing in the 2026 season.
“His left-arm seam angle and express pace gives us a differential in our pace attack, and he will be hoping to make an impact for us this season.”
News of Cohen’s new contract comes six days after the county confirmed wicketkeeper Harry Finch has signed a new two-year deal.
While the majority of Kent’s squad have committed their future to the county, England opener Zak Crawley and Dutch seam bowler Fred Klaassen, in The Netherlands’ squad for the T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka from next month, are yet to do so.
Kent are also still to confirm captain Daniel Bell-Drummond has signed fresh terms, although the 32-year-old is widely expected to do so due to the fact he has been awarded a testimonial year for 2026 by the county.
