Kent secure Kemp deal

Justin Kemp, the South Africa allrounder, has signed a two-year Kolpak deal with Kent after retiring from international cricket.

Kemp, 30, played four Tests and 85 ODIs but was dropped following the World Twenty20 last September. He had a previous two-year stint with Kent in 2005 and 2006.

"I am really looking forward to playing for Kent again," he said. "Rob Key and Graham Ford have built a really strong squad. The plans for the ground at Canterbury are very farsighted. These are exciting times and I am keen to make a real contribution to the success of the club over the next two years."

Kent have also received confirmation that Azhar Mahmood, the former Pakistan allrounder who has a two-year deal, has been granted British citizenship so will count as an English-qualified player.