Matt Henry set for Kent return for first seven County Championship games

Matt Henry, the New Zealand seamer, will return to Kent for the first seven matches of this season's County Championship.

Henry, who impressed during last year's World Cup with 14 wickets as New Zealand reached the final, took 75 wickets at 15.48 in the 2018 Championship, helping Kent to promotion.

He took five five-wicket hauls that season, including 7 for 45 against Durham and 7 for 42 against Northamptonshire, and struck a first-class best 81 from 75 balls from No. 9 against Derbyshire.

"I'm thrilled to be able to come back to Kent after having such an enjoyable time here in 2018," Henry said. "It was great to see the club perform so well back in Division One last summer.

"There's a great group of guys here and I'm looking forward to playing in a Kent jersey again in the club's 150th year."

Kent's director of cricket, Paul Downton, said: "Matt is a hugely popular figure in the dressing room and also with our members and supporters.

"We are absolutely delighted that he will be joining us for the first half of the season as we look to compete and win matches in Division One.

"Matt's ability to lead the attack, and his proven ability to take wickets in English conditions, make him a really exciting addition to our squad. We can't wait to welcome him back to Kent this season."