Podmore makes switch from Middlesex to Kent

(Photo: Getty Images)

By Adam Ellis

Kent have added to their bowling options for the 2018 season with the signing of Middlesex quick Harry Podmore.

Podmore took 11 wickets at an average of 21.81 in Middlesex’s County Championship-winning season of 2016 and fills the void left by Matt Coles, who joined Essex at the end of last season, The Spitfire Ground.

The 23-year-old said he shared an appetite for success with Kent, who begin their County Championship season a week on Friday at home to Gloucestershire.

Podmore told the club’s official website: “I’m delighted to join Kent and I’m looking forward to the opportunity.

“I made my first-class debut at The Spitfire Ground and I can’t wait to get to work with Matt Walker, Allan Donald and an exciting squad hungry for success.”

Head coach Matt Walker said of Podmore: “It’s a great acquisition for Kent. Harry is a talented bowler who we believe can thrive here.

“He is a skilful operator across all formats and a great character who will be an asset to our attack.”

Should Podmore take to the field against Gloucestershire he will do so without the club’s new captain Sam Billings, due to the wicket-keeper’s IPL commitments with Chennai Super Kings.

Captaincy duties will fall to vice-captain Joe Denly for the first few weeks of the season, fresh from starring in the Pakistan Super League and passing 10,000 first-class runs last season.

Middlesex director of cricket Angus Fraser said: “Harry is a cracking young man whose desire to play more regular First XI cricket is understandable and, unfortunately, it is not something we can currently promise.

“We have had an agreement with him for a couple of years, which meant that we would not stand in his way should a mutually agreeable opportunity arise elsewhere.

“Everybody at Middlesex Cricket will wish Harry well and he will always be welcome at Lord’s.”