Kent announces captain and overseas player for 2000

Kent County Cricket Club today announced the reappointment of Matthew Fleming as Captain for the year 2000. Fleming's appointment follows the team's achievement of fifth place in this year's PPP healthcare County Championship and third spot in the CGU National Cricket League. During the first year of his captaincy, Matthew Fleming has lead by example, heading the Club's batting averages with 830 runs at an average of 39.52 and 23 wickets at an average of 31.56.

The Club has also announced today that Rahul Dravid will be Kent's Overseas Player next season. Dravid, who is 26, has agreed to join the Club on a one-year contract. He made his debut against England in 1996 and has been a regular member of India's Test and One Day teams ever since. He has an outstanding record, having played over one hundred One Day Internationals for India and 29 Test Matches. He is now ranked as one of the top batsmen in the world.

Commenting on these appointments, Kent's Cricket Coach, John Wright, said:

"We are delighted that Matthew is to captain the team once again next year. He has fitted into the role well and lead by example on and off the field, being an inspiration to the whole team throughout the year. The arrival of Rahul Dravid to enhance our batting is a major boost. Next season sees some of the world's best spinners in the first division of both the Championship and the National League and it is great news to have a batsman of Dravid's class in the team."

John Wright also paid tribute to the contribution made by Andrew Symonds in the season just ended:

"Andrew Symonds was a credit to himself, Queensland and Australian cricket. He made a major contribution to events on the field this season and his attitude and contribution to team morale was exceptional. It was a difficult decision not to bring him back again. All of us at Kent would like to thank him for what he has done for the County and to wish him well in his ambition to secure a regular place in the Australian team".

For further information please contact:

Paul Millman, Chief Executive

or

John Wright, Cricket Coach