Clark's Kent move off

Kent hope to name a replacement for former Australia paceman Stuart Clark before the start of the new season

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Australia seamer Stuart Clark will not join Kent as overseas player this season after concerns over the player’s fitness.

The 34-year-old signed a deal to join the newly-promoted county for the first half of the upcoming campaign in January, but after he struggled with a back injury during the Australian domestic summer both parties have decided to terminate the deal.

“I'm very disappointed that Stuart is not coming to Kent because he offers so much - both on and off the field,” Kent team director Paul Farbrace said.

“I would like to thank him for his honesty throughout as it made the decision that much easier.”

Farbrace expects to name a replacement in time for the new season.

"We are continuing to work on other options, as we have been for the last couple of months,” he added.

“We had someone lined up, as a possible alternative, but he has just been named by his country in their ICC World Twenty20 Cup squad.

"We are looking for someone that will offer value for money, and is the right type of individual to bring into our dressing room, but won't sign someone for the sake of it."

Sri Lanka leg-spinner Malinga Bandara is set to serve as overseas player for the second half of the season.