KENT have wasted no time in making their first signing for next season. Middlesex fast medium bowler Simon Cook has agreed a two-year contract with the club.

Cook, 27, leaves the London county after an outstanding season, breaking the national and club record for one day wickets in the totesport league, as as well being their leading wicket taker in the county championship.

The signing comes even before Kent have published their retained list and Middlesex chief executive Vinny Codrington admitted they didn't want him to leave.

He said: "We fully accept Simon's wish to pursue his career by facing a new challenge with a different county. We were extremely reluctant to let him go. He has had an outstanding season for us, and it is always sad to lose a player who has developed with the club. However, we respect his reasons for wanting to move on, and as hard as we tried to keep him, he wanted a fresh and new challenge. We wish him well."

Cook, who joined Middlesex in 1997, said: "I would like to thank Middlesex for their support over the last eight years. I feel it is time to make a positive career move. Kent is a club with big ambitions and I am looking forward to helping them fulfil their goals and aspirations."