Matt Coles: Kent re-sign all-rounder after Hampshire exit

Coles scored one first-class century and four half centuries in his first spell with Kent

Kent have re-signed Matt Coles after the all-rounder was released from his contract with Hampshire.

The 24-year-old came through Kent's academy and made his first-class debut for the club in 2009.

He joined Hants on a three-year deal in September 2013 following an initial spell on loan at the Ageas Bowl, but left by mutual consent on Saturday.

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

"I can't wait to get started and rekindle my love for the club."

Coles took 41 wickets in 15 County Championship matches last summer as Hampshire won promotion to Division One.

The England Lions player was also a regular member of the club's limited-overs sides last summer, taking a combined total of 27 wickets in the One-Day Cup and T20 Blast.

But a Hampshire club statement said Coles had not "settled as he, or we, would have liked".

The right-handed seam bowler and left-handed batsman has taken 195 first-class wickets at an average of 29.48 and scored 1,547 first-class runs at 19.58.

Kent captain Rob Key described Coles as "a cricketer with undoubted potential with both bat and ball".

"It's fantastic that he has returned to the county that brought him up through the youth system," Key, 35, added.