KENT have beaten off the challenge of three other counties to land the signature of Australian Test legend Steve Waugh as their overseas player for the last six weeks of the season.

The veteran of 139 Tests, the former Aussie skipper will team up with Kent on August 19 with a view to making his debut in Kent Spitfires’ floodlit National League game with Leicestershire Foxes in Canterbury on August 21.

The deal to bring the 37-year-old all-rounder from New South Wales to St Lawrence was finally sealed during a telephone call between Waugh and Kent chief executive Paul Millman.

Waugh, who replaces Queensland all-rounder Andrew Symonds who leaves on Sunday for an Australia A tour to South Africa, has scored almost 10,000 Test runs for his country at an excellent average of 51, bowls lively medium-paced seamers and is a top slip fielder.

West Indian all-rounder Carl Hooper had been approached to rejoin Kent but turned down the offer.

Talking from his home, Waugh said: "I am looking forward to the opportunity to play some tough cricket and this stint will provide excellent preparation for my upcoming season at home."