KENT Cricket Club have signed former Middlesex bowler Jamie Hewitt - a year after they were censured for tapping him up illegally by the England and Wales Cricket Board. Hewitt was still under contract at Lord's when Kent made their first approach, but their interest was rekindled when the 25-year-old was released by Middlesex at the end of last season.

The right-arm medium pacer has signed a two-year contract with Kent, who will send him to Perth in the New Year to receive specialist coaching from former Australian Test bowler Dennis Lillee. Hewitt said: "I am delighted to be given an opportunity to join Kent and very much look forward to playing a full part in the club's future."

Kent chief executive Paul Millman hopes a move to Kent will help regenerate Hewitt's career in the same way it has for Martin Saggers and Ben Trott.

Mr Millman explained: "Jamie playing for Kent is an exciting prospect. He has bowled at the highest level and we very much hope that having him with us as support for our existing attack will do much to ensure that our bowling resource can remain competitive through what promises to be a tough season."