Bell-Drummond pens new Kent deal

The 21-year-old opener enjoyed a breakthrough season in 2014, and although he averages under 28 in the LV= County Championship Division Two this season he made back-to-back centuries at Canterbury in May.

Arguably his greatest achievement came last month when he enhanced his burgeoning reputation with a knock of 127 against a touring Australian bowling attack containing the likes of Ryan Harris, Mitchell Johnson and Peter Siddle.

The details of Bell-Drummond's contract have not been disclosed, but the Kent Cricket Academy graduate was delighted to commit his future to the club.

The Lewisham-born opener said: "It's been great to grow up with this group of lads, the team spirit is great and you can see the progress we have made, particularly in limited-overs cricket.

"Championship cricket can be tough on result pitches but I'm confident there's more to come from us in the longer format.

"The club is heading in the right direction with cricket returning to The County Ground, Beckenham and the great work the Academy does in bringing through young talent."

Bell-Drummond follows in the footsteps of Kent captain Sam Northeast and all-rounder Matt Coles in signing new deals.

Chairman of cricket Graham Johnson said: "We are trying to build a squad for success in the long-term and Daniel's signing shows he believes in the project.

"Daniel was on the radar of our age group coaches from a very early age and it is great for members and supporters to see him prosper in first-class cricket and perform against the best, as he did against the Australians this summer."