After seven seasons at the club, Mitchell Claydon will be leaving Kent at the end of this season, signing a deal with Sussex after being allowed to talk to other counties.

Initially joining on loan in 2013, the right-arm seamer joined Kent permanently from Durham in 2014 and has made 182 appearances in total so far for the county.

The Australian-born bowler was awarded County Cap number 213 during Canterbury Cricket Week in 2016. In 183 matches so far for Kent across all three formats, Claydon has taken 324 wickets at an average of 31.88. He has been promoted twice with Kent from Specsavers County Championship Division Two, and was part of the Kent side that reached the Royal London One-Day Cup Final at Lord’s in 2018.

He will be remembered at the club for his huge personality and his contributions both on and off the field.

On leaving Kent, Claydon said: “I’d like to give a huge thank you to all my coaches and teammates over the past seven years here. Thank you to everyone for all the support over the years. I’ve made memories and friends for life here. I’d like to wish the best of luck to ‘Walks’ and the rest of the Kent Cricket squad and staff for the future.”

Head Coach Matt Walker said: “Mitch has been an outstanding servant to Kent in his seven years here and has been one of the real characters in the dressing room. He’s also produced some great performances for us, whether that be in red ball cricket or at the death in limited overs formats. He’s been a real match winner for Kent on the field and a true champion off it. He’ll be hugely missed.”

A statement from the club reads: “Kent Cricket would like to thank ‘Mitch’ for all he has done for the club and wish him the best success for the future.”