Kent have secured their second overseas signing in the space of five days after clinching the signature of New Zealand batsman Tom Latham for the 2016 season.
The 23-year-old, son of former Black Caps all-rounder Rod Latham, has been a mainstay in the New Zealand side across all formats since making his one-day international debut in 2012.
He has so far scored three Test hundreds plus one ton and four half-centuries in one-day internationals.
Latham is currently with the Black Caps for their Test series against Australia and will be available for Kent in all formats.
He is set to join the squad before their County Championship opener against Worcestershire at New Road in April.
The Canterbury-born opener, also capable of playing as a wicketkeeper, will join newly-acquired South Africa paceman Kagiso Rabada and England’s Sam Billings at the Spitfire Ground, St Lawrence, and is looking forward to playing county cricket.
“I’m delighted to have joined Kent for the season. Playing county cricket has always been a goal of mine,” the left-hander said.
“I’ve heard great things about the playing group and coaching staff, so I can’t wait to get started and help the boys push for some silverware.”
During New Zealand’s Test series against Pakistan, Latham became the first Black Caps batsman in 24 years to score centuries in consecutive Tests, including a career-best of 137 .
Latham is no stranger to these shores, having scored two half-tons against England during their Test series last summer, and with an average over 41 in first-class cricket, Kent head coach Jimmy Adams is confident that Latham can help their promotion push.
“We’re delighted to have Tom playing with us this season,” Adams said.
“He brings valuable experience gained from playing at the international level across all formats.
“We are confident that he will play a big role as the club pushes for promotion in the County Championship and white-ball success.”
Welcome @Tomlatham2 to @kentcricket ! Another class signing by the club..
— Sam Billings (@sambillings) February 23, 2016
Source: ECB