AUSTRALIAN all-rounder Andrew Symonds will be Kent's overseas professional for the next two years after agreeing a new contract from his home in Queensland. Symonds, who replaced the injured Darryl Cullinan mid-way through the 2001 campaign, played a pivotal role in Kent's Norwich Union League success and also scored 563 runs at an average of 46 in just eight championship appearances.

His powerful batting, athletic fielding and ability to bowl off-spin and medium pace, make Symonds an attractive overseas option, but it was his combative will to win that proved vital to Kent's trophy victory in September and what clinched his return for next spring.

"I'm really excited about coming back to Kent for the next two seasons," said the 26-year-old Birmingham-born player, who first played for Kent in 1999. "We have an excellent squad and I'm sure we can improve as a team. So I'm looking forward to playing my part in further success."

Symonds, who has won 44 one-day international caps for Australia, has captained his adopted state of Queensland at under-17 and under-19 level and may be the man to take over the Kent helm from Matthew Fleming should the skipper decide to stand aside.