Vernon Philander is keen to take wickets for Kent Cricket after signing a deal that will see him with the club for the next month.

Philander, rated number two bowler in the world, will play all forms of cricket for the Club, including the upcoming Friends Life t20, joining the squad until the back end of July when he has commitments with the Caribbean Premier League.

Having taken 89 Test wickets, 7 in One Day Internationals and four in T20′s, Philander has been brought in to add experience to the Spitfires line up for the next four weeks.

Speaking to Kent Sports News after being unveiled as a Kent player, Philander stated his desire to take as many wickets whilst here:

“I’m keen to do as well as I possibly can whilst with Kent. I don’t know too many of my team-mates yet, but will sit down with coach Jimmy Adams and work out where I will fit into the side.”

“I’ve been speaking with Kent for the past few weeks about coming over and there were other clubs interested, but Justin Kemp persuaded me this was the place to play.”

“The visa issues have taken a little longer than we’d hoped, but it’s all sorted and I can’t wait to get started on Friday.”

Kent Cricket Chairman of Cricket, Graham Johnson commented on the announcement; “Vernon is an excellent signing for the Club. His Test Match record is remarkable, and we hope he will make a strong contribution to the Kent Spitfires’ Friends Life t20 campaign, as well as kick start an improvement in four day results. “

Philander has an outstanding record in Test Match Bowling; 89 wickets at 17.13 and an impressive strike rate of 26.8 (the best average and strike rate since the First World War). He has taken 5 wickets 9 times (or once every 1.78 Tests) and 10 wickets once. He has played 67 Twenty20 matches and has taken 46 wickets at 31.00, and has a bowling strike rate of 23.1.

Philander is expected to go straight into the side as the Kent Spitfires take on Middlesex at Canterbury on Friday night.