Joe Denly has pledged his immediate future to Kent by agreeing a contract extension.

The 23-year-old England batsman is now committed to the club until the end of the 2011.

Denly said: "My heart is with Kent so I'm delighted to sign. I love the club, the fans and the county so I could never say no to staying here."

Jamie Clifford, acting chief executive, said: "Joe is a cricketer with a bright future and I am delighted that he has chosen to continue his career here at Kent.

"We have all enjoyed watching his progress from Kent Young Cricketer to England international."

Denly, who made his England one-day debut against Ireland in August last year, is the 11th player to extend his stay at St Lawrence since the end of last season.

Clifford added: "With most of our senior players now under long-term contracts, this is an exciting time to be a supporter of Kent cricket."

Picture: Barry Goodwin