KENT’S winter re-building plans took another step forward with the capture of Leicestershire’s promising, if still unproven, batsman Darren Stevens.

The 28-year-old right-hander from Hinckley was released after seven largely unfulfilled summers at Grace Road and has joined Kent on a two-year deal.

“A number of counties have shown an interest in me,” said Stevens. “But the opportunity to play on good wickets and in a side with real ambition persuaded me to come to Kent.

“I feel I still have much to prove and look forward to doing so in the seasons ahead.”

In welcoming Stevens to St Lawrence, Kent’s chairman of cricket Graham Johnson said: “We know he has the desire to fulfil his undoubted potential and felt a move to Kent would give him the best opportunity to do so.

“As a player who was selected in the last 30 to represent England for the 2003 World Cup and an England Academy player in 2002/03, we look forward to Darren adding to the list of Kent players who have represented their country.

“This is another important step in the development of our squad for next season.”