YOUNG seam bowler Simon Cusden has been signed by Derbyshire after being released by Kent.

The 6ft 5in 21-year-old, who plays club cricket for St Lawrence and for Beltinge, said: "I am really excited at the prospect of joining Derbyshire. The club has a really positive feel to it and is very ambitious.

"I have had a couple of disappointing seasons at Kent and I am looking forward to getting back to doing what I do best, bowling and taking wickets.

"In coaches Dave Houghton, Mike Hendrick and Karl Krikken I have all the help I need to fulfil my potential."

Cusden, one of the inaugural academy trainees at Kent in 2003, has represented England at under-18 and under-19 level and made his first class debut in 2004, having represented the county from under-13 level.

On his Kent debut in a National League game against Lancashire at Tunbridge Wells he dismissed Mal Loye with his first ball.

However, the Canterbury man’s only first-class appearance of 2006 was in the match against Cambridge University, taking two for 83 in his 18 overs.