Kent batsman Daniel Bell-Drummond will be joining the Auckland Aces for the rest of the Burger King Super Smash.

Bell-Drummond was Kent’s second-highest run scorer in the 2018 Vitality Blast T20 competition. He amassed 372 runs in 12 innings at an average of 31.00, with a strike rate of 145.31.

Kent Cricket’s Director of Cricket Paul Downton said: “This is a great opportunity for Daniel to play T20 cricket in an international tournament.

“He is already an accomplished and highly regarded T20 player who consistently makes vital contributions with the bat and in the field. This experience will be vital as we look forward to building upon our strong finishes in all three competitions in 2018 this coming season.”

Auckland Aces head coach Mark O’Donnell said Bell-Drummond’s skill-set will complement the side.

“With none of our BLACKCAPS available in the latter part of the Super Smash, we were looking for an experienced T20 player,” said O’Donnell.

“It was very fortunate that Daniel was already in Australia and we were able to get him at pretty short notice.

“We’re sure Daniel will add to the team on an off the pitch – he’s a top guy as well as a really good player.”

Bell-Drummond himself is looking forward to joining the team.

“I’m delighted to have been given the opportunity to join the Auckland Aces,” he said.

“It’s a huge honour and I cannot wait to Experience the Super Smash!”

Bell-Drummond is in the squad to make his first hit-out for the Auckland Aces tomorrow at Eden Park Outer Oval against the Otago Volts.