KENT have beaten 11 other first-class counties to capture the signature of young Yorkshire fast bowler David Stiff on a three-year deal.

Stiff, a member of England Under-19 side, has risen through the Yorkshire Academy ranks and will be part of England’s squad contesting the Junior World Cup in Bangladesh in February.

The 19-year-old Batley-born bowler, who measures up at six feet five inches, is generally regarded as the best fast bowling prospect outside the first-class game.

Stiff turned down the offer of a new Yorkshire contract last October and elected to further his career elsewhere after being limited to just six 2nd XI championship matches in three seasons for the White Rose County.

The decision sparked a feeding frenzy amongst the first-class counties as 12 of the 18 clubs lined up bidding for Stiff’s signature.

He won glowing reports in Australia last winter after taking 5 for 25 in the Third Test against Australia Under-19s in Melbourne.

Described by Aussie coach Wayne Phillips as a “very lively prospect,” he becomes Kent’s first signing of the close season.