Sam Northeast: Kent batsman signs new 'long-term' deal

Kent's on-field captain Sam Northeast has scored more than 5,500 first-class runs, including ten centuries

Kent batsman Sam Northeast has signed a contract extension, which the county describe as "long-term".

The 25-year-old from Ashford has averaged 44.8 in the County Championship so far this season and is Kent's top scorer in the T20 Blast.

The former England Under-19 player broke into Kent's first team in 2007.

"I am delighted to commit my future to the club. I'm Kent born and bred and it's such an exciting time for Kent Cricket," he told the club website.

"I've really enjoyed my cricket and the challenge of captaincy this summer so there was never any thought of going elsewhere."

Northeast took on the on-field captaincy in May after club captain Rob Key handed over the reins.