Sam Northeast wants to sign an extended deal at Kent after a remarkable turnaround in fortunes over the summer.

It’s just two months since the 24-year-old vice-captain was recalled to the side after an exile in the 2nd XI following a dismal start to the Championship campaign which saw him score just 178 runs in his first 12 innings at an average of 15.

This week at Hampshire, however, Northeast hit a century in a third straight Championship game and for the fourth time since his recall against Leicestershire in July – a game which saw him reach three-figures for the first time in almost two years.

Previously tried as opener and No.3, Northeast (pictured) has made the No.5 spot his own with a fine run of form, which has seen him score 636 runs at an average of more than 70 in the six Championship matches since his recall.

He said: “I’m happy with how things have gone – the change down to five and bit of momentum in one-day cricket. I have not singled out any real reason for it.

“I’m not really a stats man. I play the situation and every time I bat I want to get a hundred but at the end of the year, you put yourself up against the players in your team and others around the counties and see where you are at.

“If I hadn’t had such a poor start, I might have been right up there.”

Northeast shared a 244-run fourth-wicket stand with Daniel Bell-Drummond at Southampton as Kent passed 500 in their first innings and Northeast added: “It’s great to see young guys like Deebz and Billings stepping up and not relying on Stevens, Key and Nash to score the runs every time.

“There’s positive signs for everyone at the club. Kent have put faith in the youngsters over last few years and we’re slowly repaying them. Hopefully, it can continue.”

Northeast added: “I’m under contract here for another year but I am perfectly happy to sign an extension whenever it’s right to do so. I want to stay at the club for a while.

“There have been pleasing signs for me this year. As the season has gone on, I’ve been able to find my form and rhythm.

“I didn’t start well in the Championship but my T20 and one-day form was good at times and I’ve come good at the end of the Championship.

“I can take that into next season with some confidence. Hopefully, I can stay at five. I know I can do this, play this role and score runs consistently.

“I’m settled with the white ball and believe I can take it on to a new level next year.”