Kent are set to face former Australian captain Ricky Ponting twice this summer after the batsman joined rivals Surrey.

The 38 year old former Aussie skipper had a stint in county cricket for Somerset back in 2004 and now nine years later he’ll grace the county circuit for two months over June and July.

Ponting has been drafted in to the Surrey squad for the two months to replace South African Graeme Smith who will be away on international duty.

The first chance Spitfires fans will have to see Ponting will be when Kent play Surrey on 30th June with the venue yet to be confirmed for the Twenty 20 clash.

Kent will come up against Ponting once again when the two sides face each other at the Kia Oval on 26th July for the floodlit Twenty 20 fixture.

Speaking about his decision to join Surrey, Ponting explained he wanted to have one last go at playing county cricket:

“I’m really excited to be playing for Surrey this season,” he said. “They are a forward-thinking and historic club – and play at one of the greatest grounds in the world. It hasn’t been the friendliest place for me but now it will be my home for two months this summer.

“I’d like to think I can contribute a significant amount to the club – on and off the field – and am looking forward to getting stuck in as soon as I arrive.”

“I always said after that I’d love to come back and play some more county cricket and I’m thankful Surrey have given me the opportunity.”

“Hopefully I can have an impact on the way Surrey play their cricket.

“I will be dedicated to doing my best for Surrey, score as many runs as I can and win as many games as I can.”

The attraction of Ponting playing on the county circuit is sure to raise attendances at games with Kent’s game against Surrey on 30th June tipped to be played at Beckenham, however that may well end up being played at Canterbury.