New Zealand fast bowler Matt Henry said Kent skipper Sam Billings helped persuade him to join the club this summer.

The 26-year-old will be at Kent for the first half of the season and will be available in the opening seven Specsavers County Championship matches and the Royal London One Day Cup.

Henry and Billings were both on 12th man duties for their respective countries during the One-Day series Down Under this winter.

Henry said: “It was good to have Sam (Billings) there and have a chat about here. He was very positive about where the club was going and I’m really grateful for the opportunity and look forward to playing some cricket.

“A lot of the guys have said it’s an exciting time for Kent. A few changes have been made. We’ve got a bunch of guys who are keen and excited for the summer ahead.”

Henry took five wickets in Kent’s defeat to Gloucestershire in the first County Championship match of the season.

He took 4-33 in the first innings and 3-37 in the second as Kent were beaten by five wickets.

Henry said: “It’s nice and positive up there and I know it has been quite a crazy game and we have lost a lot of wickets.

“You don’t always get wickets that provide assistance like the one has here. It’s not all in the wicket, Gloucestershire have bowled well and we have bowled well too.

“Both teams have used the advantage of the moving ball, which has probably resulted in the wickets.

“I’ve settled in fine and it’s a great bunch of guys here. They are very welcoming and it’s a good vibe in the changing room.

“Everyone is really excited for the summer ahead and everyone is nice and positive. It’s a nice environment to be part of and I look for forward to playing some good positive cricket.”

The New Zealand fast bowler, who has played nine Test matches for his country, is also looking forward to working with Kent’s assistant coach Allan Donald.

Herny added: “It’s great working with Allan Donald. I briefly knew him beforehand just in passing conversations. To come here and have him as your bowling coach is great and the chance to be able to pick his brain.

“I have been very lucky to have played a couple of seasons over here and play some four day cricket for Worcester a couple of years ago, which was a great learning experience.”