Kent secure van Jaarsveld

Kent are understandably relieved to keep hold of Martin van Jaarsveld, batting star and pillar of the middle-order

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Kent’s prolific batsman Martin van Jaarsveld has signed a new contract that keeps him at the county until 2012.

Van Jaarsveld, 35, the former South Africa international, will remain at the club as a Kolpak player after signing the new deal.

The 2008 PCA Player of the Year is currently in his fifth season at Kent, after spending the 2004 season with Northamptonshire.

Van Jaarsveld regularly tops 1,000 first-class runs a season, and has attracted the attention of several rival counties.

“This has been a difficult decision for me to make,” said van Jaarsveld. “Since arriving at the club my family has made many friends and I have much enjoyed my time in the county.

“It has been flattering to have received offers from other clubs, but I feel for my cricketing future and for my family Kent is where I wish to remain. I look forward to making a real contribution to Kent cricket in the years ahead.”

Kent chairman Graham Johnson added: “Everyone at the club is delighted that Martin has agreed to continue his career with Kent.

“Since he joined us in 2005, his contributions both on and off the field to the development of Kent cricket have been outstanding.

“Martin has been one of the most successful players in county cricket in recent years, and it is great news that he has decided to continue his career at Kent.”

Van Jaarsveld made his final appearance for the Proteas in the second Test against England in Durban in 2004, before signing the Kolpak deal that ruled him out of playing international cricket.