Kent have signed South African seamer Keith Dudgeon for the entire 2026 English county cricket season.
Dudgeon took eight wickets on debut for Kent in the 2025 County Championship before being sidelined by a knee injury. He will be available for Kent’s 2026 County Championship, One-Day Cup and T20 Blast campaigns.
“It’s a huge case of unfinished business for me, and I’m sure it seems that way for the Kent fans – I’m so pleased to be a Kent player again for the whole of next season,” said Dudgeon.
“Everyone at the club made me feel so welcome in my short time in Canterbury and I have been avidly watching the lads as much as I can from South Africa as I continue to work hard to get back to full fitness. I wish them all the very best for the rest of this year.
“I’m looking forward to making more appearances for Kent next summer – including my home debut. I’d like to thank Adam Hollioake, Simon Cook and the board at Kent for putting their faith in me coming back for 2026.”
The 29-year-old Dudgeon has taken 232 wickets in 77 matches since debuting in first-class cricket in 2014. He has also represented the Paarl Royals in the SA20.
Kent’s director of cricket Simon Cook added: “Keith made a lasting impression on us during his short but sweet time earlier in this season.
“He is progressing well in his rehabilitation work after successful knee surgery, and is due to start playing again before Christmas for his domestic side in South Africa, Boland. We’re all looking forward to welcoming him back to the group for the whole of 2026.”