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Former Kent overseas fast bowler Matt Henry will be back in England this summer - but not representing The Spitfire Ground outfit.
New Zealand international Henry has had two spells at Kent while he was also due to play for the county in 2020 - although that deal was scrapped because of the coronavirus crisis.
The 31-year-old has proved a big hit and, with Kent head coach Matt Walker still on the hunt for overseas recruits, many fans would have loved to have seen Henry return. He took 12 wickets in two County Championship Division 1 matches in 2022 during a win at Warwickshire and defeat at Lancashire, in which he claimed 5-45 and 4-82.
Instead, though, he will join up with Somerset after the Black Caps’ One-Day International series against Pakistan.
He will be available for Somerset’s LV= Insurance County Championship Division 1 match against Lancashire which begins on May 11 and will remain with Somerset until July 31.
Overall, he will be eligible to play up to seven County Championship matches and will also be available for the entirety of the T20 Blast.
Henry, who has also represented Worcestershire and Derbyshire in English domestic cricket, told Somerset’s website: “I enjoy playing in English conditions and I’m looking forward to joining up with Somerset.
“They are a club that are held in high regard, and I’ve heard only good things about the set-up there.
“I’m excited by the challenge and I hope that I can make big contributions for Somerset.”
Somerset head coach Jason Kerr added: “To have someone of Matt’s calibre to compliment the attack that we have is beyond exciting.
“We’ve got a nucleus of bowlers who are capable of ensuring that we take 20 wickets in red-ball cricket alongside a group of talented young bowlers, who are incredibly aspirational and have already shown what they are capable of. Matt’s arrival will bring us even more potency.
“He’s a world-class performer who has demonstrated what he can do across all formats already within the English domestic game. He’s got good pace and can swing the ball.
“What he will provide off the field will be equally as important.
“He has experienced playing all over the world and will be able to share a vast amount of knowledge.”
Kent are due to host Somerset in the T20 Blast (May 30) and face them at Taunton (July 2) when Henry is expected to be in the country. Matt Walker's side will have Australian fast bowler Kane Richardson for their Blast campaign while South African all-rounder George Linde is presently due to return for the second year of a two-year all-format deal in 2023.
Australian Mickey Edwards has signed for Yorkshire after he helped St Lawrence & Highland Court secure promotion to the Kent Cricket League Premier Division last season.
The right-arm seamer, who has represented New South Wales and Sydney Sixers in Australia, will join up with the club's pre-season tour to Cape Town next month.
As a British-passport holder, Edwards has signed on an 18-month contract.
On Instagram, St Lawrence & Highland Court wrote: "Once a Shrimp, always a Shrimp.
"Congrats."
Edwards, 28, played for Kent 2nds last season.
