by Andrew Gidley

Joe Denly says he is "living the dream" playing for Kent after signing a two-year contract extension with the county.

The opener, who turns 24 next month, and agent David Fulton had been in talks for two months about a new deal and Denly, pictured, said: "Negotiations went well. All I ever wanted to do is play for Kent and was always keen to put pen-to-paper.

"As a youngster playing for the under-11s, I always dreamed about it and still think about those days every time I go through the gates at Canterbury."

Jamie Clifford, acting Kent chief executive, said: "Joe is a cricketer with a bright future and I’m delighted that he has chosen to continue his career here at Kent.

"We have all enjoyed watching his progress from a Kent Young Cricketer to England international."

Clifford added: "With most of our senior players now under long-term contracts, this is an exciting time to be a supporter of Kent cricket."

Denly is now preparing to leave for Bangladesh with England for three one-day internationals.

The squad meets at Loughborough for fitness tests next Monday, before leaving for Sharjah on Saturday week.

They will join the England Lions squad, including James Tredwell, who depart this weekend.

Denly said: "I was pleased to get the call. It’s another good opportunity for me and I want to go there and win back my one-day spot."