Kent sign Andrew Hall

Andrew Hall celebrates Sachin Tendulkar's dismissal at Kanpur © Getty Images

Kent have signed Andrew Hall, the South African allrounder, as one of their two overseas players for 2005.

Hall, 29, who recently hit 163 against India at Kanpur after opening the batting, has played 12 Tests and 43 one-day internationals for South Africa since 1998-99. He bowls a sprightly fast-medium pace and has represented Worcestershire in the two English seasons, helping them to successive C&G Trophy finals. He will be available from the middle of May, after his country's tour of West Indies.

"I am very excited to be joining Kent next season and to be playing another season of English County Cricket," he said. "Kent has a squad capable of being competitive in all forms of cricket and I very much hope that I will be able to help them achieve success in 2005. Being a pivotal player in helping the squad deliver is very motivating."

David Fulton, Kent's captain, explained the thinking behind Hall's signing. "He has a range of skills with both bat and ball in both forms of cricket as well as the desire to win," he said. "With Andrew in our squad we look to have the right credentials to improve our one-day performance in 2005 and be as competitive as we were in 2004 in the four-day format."

In other news, Matthew Walker has been named as Kent's official vice-captain. "He has a lot to offer both on and off the field," said Graham Johnson, the Kent chairman. "I am sure he will rise to the challenge and enjoy playing an important, expanded role."