Alex Loudon signs for Warwickshire

Alex Loudon has signed for Warwickshire after spending three years on the staff at Kent. Loudon, 24, has been brought in as cover for Ian Bell, who is expected to be unavailable through England commitments next season.

An allrounder who bowls offspin, he showed considerable promise for Kent during 2004 in both the Championship and the one-day competitions. His 21 wickets were claimed at just over 31 apiece, and his best bowling figures were 6 for 47 in the last Championship match of the season when he bowled Kent to victory against Middlesex. And he averaged 35.11 with the bat, with a top score of 92 against Warwickshire in August, batting at No. 3.

"Warwickshire have been very impressed with Alex Loudon and are delighted to sign him," Warwickshire's chief executive Dennis Amiss said. "We feel he has a very promising future in the game."

In a statement, Warwickshire said Loudon, an Old Etonian, has been preferred to the Australian Brad Hogg, who struck more than 600 runs in 11 Championship matches at 66.20 and took 16 wickets at 62.92 apiece.

The news of Loudon's signing may surprise Kent, as Loudon had been seen as the future Kent captain.