Opening batsman Ben Compton has penned a contract extension at Kent.

Compton has signed a one-year extension ahead of the 2025 summer as Kent prepare to play in County Championship Division 2 under a new head coach following Division 1 relegation and Matt Walker’s departure.

“I’m really pleased to be staying at Kent for the foreseeable future,” said Compton, grandson of England great Denis Compton and cousin of ex-England batsman Nick Compton.

“I think I can speak for the group in saying that we are all very hungry and determined to bounce back after a very difficult season for the club as a whole.

“This attitude will be key and I hope to do my part in putting in strong performances for Kent in 2025.”

Defensive left-handed batsman Compton scored 129 on his Kent debut in the County Championship in 2022 against Essex and scored 104 not out on home debut against Lancashire, becoming the first Kent player to score back-to-back Championship centuries in their first two matches since Martin van Jaarsveld in 2005.

He has scored 2,761 Championship runs for the county at 38.34, including six centuries.

But Compton has largely struggled to replicate his sensational form from his breakthrough summer with Kent so far and was omitted for their 2024 One-Day Cup squad, with Spitfires prioritising players who could play in their 2025 T20 Blast team.

“Ben is an integral part of our County Championship side at the top of the order so we’re delighted that he has committed to a multi-format contract for next summer,” said director of cricket Simon Cook.

Compton, 30, follows England international and opening batting partner Zak Crawley and teenage all-rounder Jaydn Denly in committing to stay at Kent in the close season.