Director of cricket Paul Downton is confident that Kent's new signing will become a significant cricketer for the county.

Fast bowler Nathan Gilchrist has initially joined Kent on loan from Somerset for the remainder of the 2020 season with a longer term contract in place from November.

Gilchrist, 20, has yet to make his first class debut but has shown promise already this summer, taking 5-76 in a friendly match against Gloucestershire.

Kent see plenty of potential in the Harare-born paceman.

Downton, said: "We're really pleased that Nathan has agreed to join us at Kent. He is an exciting prospect who we are confident will become a significant cricketer for the county.

"He is a talented young bowler who can bowl some quick spells and we look forward to giving him plenty of opportunity and encouragement to help develop his undoubted potential.”

Although Nathan was born in Harare his father is English. He first moved to England when he was involved in a cricket exchange between St Stithians in Johannesburg and King’s College Taunton, where he studied for a BTEC.

Gilchrist graduated through the Somerset academy and had been pushing for an opportunity in the 1st XI.

Somerset director of cricket Andy Hurry had said: “Nathan has the potential to become an extremely effective strike bowler. He has the height, the pace and the controlled aggression that all quality fast bowlers need.” It will now be down to Kent to see if he can reach his potential.

More: A dream come true for Kent teenager after compiling his maiden century