South African fast bowler Vernon Philander is heading over to England to join up with Kent ahead of their T20 campaign beginning on Friday.

The talented seamer turned 28 today and will join up with the squad on Wednesday ahead of Friday’s opening Twenty 20 game against Middlesex at Canterbury on Friday.

As revealed by KSN last week, Philander has been drafted in by the Kent management to bolster their squad for the shorter form of the game with the bowler tweeting on Monday evening:

“Thanks again for all the kind messages. Had a great day. Sad time again packing and saying bye to friends and family. See u soon #Kentccc ”

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.

Philander played for Somerset in last season’s Twenty 20 tournament, whilst enjoying a spell with Middlesex back in 2008.

The fast bowler has been regularly featuring for Cape Cobras in South African domestic cricket and is expected to go straight into the Spitfires side against Middlesex on Friday.

Vernon isn’t expected to stay beyond Kent’s final T20 fixture against Sussex Sharks on Wednesday 31st July, but that could change if the Spitfires make it to the Quarter Finals or Finals Day.