Kent Cricket have announced the signing of India international fast bowler Navdeep Saini for up to three LV= Insurance County Championship and five Royal London Cup matches, subject to visa and regulatory approval.

The 29-year-old has represented his country in all forms of the game after making his IT20 debut for India in August 2019.

Hailed as one of the top five fastest Indian bowlers in world cricket, Saini is capable of clocking 95mph and has taken 148 first-class wickets at 28.8 with a career bowling economy of 2.92.

The right-armer will wear his preferred shirt number of 96 and will follow in the footsteps of Rahul Dravid to become the second Indian Test cricketer to play for the county.

On joining Kent Cricket, Saini said: “It’s a great opportunity to play county cricket and I’m looking forward to giving my all for Kent.”

Kent’s Director of Cricket, Paul Downton, said: “In a year when it’s been difficult to take wickets, we’re excited to have the opportunity to add a fast bowler of Navdeep’s quality to our squad.’’

New Zealand international Matt Henry will return as a Kent player starting with Kent’s LV= Insurance County Championship match with Warwickshire next week, and could feature alongside Saini for Kent.

Picture supplied by Max Flego Photography.