Kent snap up Jones on loan

Kent will hope Steffan Jones (right) can fill the void left by Amjad Khan and Stuart Clark

Kent have signed Somerset seamer Steffan Jones on a month-long loan to cover for their depleted pace attack.

Kent have been hit by a knee injury to England fast bowler Amjad Khan, out for at least a month, and the cancellation of Stuart Clark’s overseas spell at Canterbury.

Jones, 35, the former Northamptonshire and Derbyshire player, can be recalled by Somerset at any time during his loan spell.

Jones will not be eligible to play in the Friends Provident Trophy matches between the two teams at Taunton on April 26, and the return game at Canterbury.

Somerset director of cricket Brian Rose said: “Kent have some injury problems with their bowlers and approached us to see if we had anyone suitable to help out.

“We recommended Steffan and to his credit he was very eager to go. It is much better for him to be playing first-team cricket over the next month than to be confined to our Second XI.

“If he does well he will return to us with confidence high and better placed to challenge for our first team.

“In the event of our bowlers picking up injuries we shall be able to recall him during the month so there is no risk involved.

“We wish him well and will monitor his performances for Kent with interest.”

Kent chief executive Paul Millman said: “We are delighted to have secured a player as experienced as Steffan.

“We are extremely grateful to Somerset for their help in making this loan signing possible.”