Carlos Brathwaite signs T20 Blast deal with Kent
CHESTER-LE-STREET, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 16: West Indies captain Carlos Brathwaite celebates dismissing Liam Plunkett of England to win the NatWest T20 International match between England and the West Indies at Emirates Durham ICG on September 16, 2017 in Chester-le-Street, England. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)
(Photo: Getty Images)
Kent have signed West Indies T20 captain Carlos Brathwaite for this season’s Vitality Blast.
The all-rounder will move to Canterbury to play in the first four matches of the tournament and brings international pedigree to a Kent side which has failed to spring out of the group stages in the previous two years.
Welcoming the signing, Kent director of cricket Paul Downton told the club’s website: “Carlos is a proven match winner. He is an explosive ball striker and a skilful white-ball bowler with good variations and extensive experience in the 20-over format.
“We are excited that Carlos will be with us for the start of our Vitality Blast campaign. I’m sure he’ll make an impact in his brief spell with the Spitfires.”
Brathwaite’s stock on the T20 market was boosted by the four consecutive sixes he struck in the T20 World Cup final against England in 2016. A display of destructive batting that sent the Windies to lift the World Cup trophy and Brathwaite to secure deals in the IPL and Big Bash League.
Currently playing for Sunrisers Hyderabad in cited the rapport he has built with Kent captain Sam Billings on the IPL circuit as just one of the reasons why he was happy to join.
“I’m delighted to be joining Kent Spitfires for my first taste of county cricket,” Brathwaite commented.
“I have a good relationship with Sam Billings, having played in the same team at the IPL and BBL. Sam chatted to me about the opportunity to join and has told me a lot about the great support and atmosphere on T20 nights.
“I hope I can entertain the supporters and am looking forward to joining up with the Spitfires squad.”