Denly a done deal for Kent

Joe Denly's limited-overs performances for Kent earned him an England debut in August

England limited-overs batsman Joe Denly has committed his future to Kent by signing until the end of the 2011 season.

The right-handed opener made his senior England debut in late August in a one-day international against Ireland. He subsequently made four appearances in both the NatWest Series against Australia and the ICC Champions Trophy.

Although Denly did not feature in the one-day series against South Africa, he won his second and third Twenty20 international caps in the preceding double-header and was also a member of the England Performance Programme in Pretoria.

The 23-year-old becomes the 11th player to extend his stay with the LV= County Championship Division Two champions since the end of last season.

Denly, who is part of the limited-overs squad to tour the United Arab Emirates and Bangladesh, said: "My heart is with Kent County Cricket Club, so I'm delighted to sign this new deal. I love the club, the fans and the county so I could never say no to staying here."

Kent's team director, Paul Farbrace, added: "We are all delighted that Joe has chosen to extend his deal for the next two seasons.

“He is a key part of what we are trying to do here. Negotiations went very well throughout and I would like to thank Joe's agent, David Fulton, for the active role he played in the discussions."

Acting chief executive officer, Jamie Clifford, said: "Joe is a cricketer with a bright future and I am delighted that he has chosen to continue his career here at Kent.

“We have all enjoyed watching his progress from Kent young cricketer to England international. With most of our senior players now under long-term contracts, this is an exciting time to be a supporter of Kent cricket."