Kent County Cricket Club have announced that former Durham all-rounder Ben Harmison will be joining the squad.

Harmison has been released by Durham, having spent seven years at the Emirates Durham ICG.

Harmison was called up into the England squad for the Under-19 World Cup in Bangladesh in 2004, and was then selected for the Under-19 tour of India in 2005, taking 4-58 in the second Test – the best bowling figures by an England bowler during the tour. He also shone with the bat, making 65 in the third Test, but could not prevent a 3-0 series defeat, before featuring in three of the five one-day internationals.

He has since gone on to average 34.66 with the ball in 37 first class matches, and averages 26.10 with bat.The twenty-five year old has also made 51 List A, and 30 Twenty20 appearances during his career.

Chairman of Cricket, Graham Johnson commented on the signing; “I am delighted that we have signed Ben; he offers a lot with both bat and ball, and he was a target for us during the recent recruitment process. He has a point to prove about making the best of his undoubted ability and we look forward to helping him do that. I am sure that all involved with Kent Cricket will make him very welcome.”

Harmison commented on his move to Kent; “I am delighted to have signed for Kent. I cannot wait to get down to Kent and start training with the squad, and I look forward to an exciting 2012 season. This is a great opportunity and I look forward to continuing my career with a county hungry for success.”