Fast bowler Matt Coles has left Kent Cricket and had joined Essex ahead of the 2018 season.

The bowling all-rounder made his Kent debut in 2009 after coming through the Kent age group squads and Academy.

He spent the 2014 season at Hampshire before returning to the club in 2015.

Coles said: “It’s with a heavy heart that I leave Kent. It’s been my home and family for most of my life.

“It’s time for a fresh challenge and I’d like to thank everyone at Kent and wish everyone the very best moving forward in 2018 and beyond.”

The Maidstone-born bowler made 212 appearances for Kent in all formats, taking 439 wickets.

Head coach Matt Walker said: “I’ve known Matt since he came into our age-group system.

“He’s a talented cricketer and we wish him well. We are already identifying players to reinforce the squad and add to the talent in the group.”

Coles joins the Division One Champions on a two year deal and leaves a hole in the Kent attack ahead of the new season.