Kent batsman Alex Blake has marked a decade since his professional debut by extending his contract.

The 28-year-old Kent Cricket Academy graduate earned his county cap in 2017, almost ten years since he made his maiden appearance in a one-day match against Surrey at Canterbury.

The Beckenham batsman said: “I’m delighted to extend my contract at Kent.

“As a local lad, I love representing my home county having been part of the set up here since I was 9.

“I feel I’ve got a lot to offer the team across all three formats of the game – next summer couldn’t come soon enough and I can’t wait to be a part of a team trying to push for domestic honours.

“I look forward to joining back up with the squad to start our preparation for next season.”

Blake hit his maiden List A century this summer with a 46-ball hundred against Somerset at Taunton in May.

He has won the Fielder of the Year on three occasions and his run-out off the final ball sealed a dramatic tie against Sussex at Hove in July.

Chairman of cricket Graham Johnson said: “Alex has broken the mould by earning his county cap predominantly through contributions in white-ball cricket.

“We’re delighted he has committed his future to the club as we believe he is a batsman capable of contributing in all formats.”

Picture supplied by Sarah Ansell.