Coles agrees second stint at Kent

Matt Coles, released by Hampshire last week, has agreed terms to return to Kent, the home county where his career began.

Coles' career has failed to kick on since he left Kent. He won England Lions recognition in 2012-13, only to be sent home early from a tour of Australia for persistent late nights. He moved to Hampshire, initially on loan, at the end of the following season.

After abruptly calling time on his Hampshire contract, one year into a three-year deal because he was reportedly unable to settle, he drops back into Division Two of the Championship and gives Kent a pre-season fillip.

"I am delighted to be back at Kent," Coles said. "I am looking forward to joining a talented group of lads and making a real go of my second spell here.

"To come through the age groups to play for your home county was a dream come true. I can't wait to get started and rekindle my love for the club."

Kent's captain Rob Key reiterated that he still regards Coles, 24, as "a cricketer with undoubted potential with both bat and ball". He added: "It's fantastic that he has returned to the county that brought him up through the youth system."