Simon Cook to join Kent

Simon Cook, the right-arm seamer, has joined Kent on a two-year contract following eight years at Middlesex. Cook, 27, was Middlesex's top wicket-taker in the County Championship in 2004. His 39 wickets at just 15.35 made him, by a margin of some 11 wickets, the leading wicket-taker in the second division of the National League. "Kent is a club with big ambitions," Cook said, "and I look forward to helping them fulfill their goals and aspirations."

Graham Johnson, Kent's chairman of cricket added, "We are delighted that Simon has agreed to join Kent. His allround ability will strengthen our squad in all forms of cricket, and we are looking forward to him making a significant contribution to the future of Kent cricket."

Originally from Oxfordshire, Middlesex signed Cook in 1997 after he was discovered when their scout was sent to look at Andrew Strauss. Cook made his first-class debut in 1999, and three years later he recorded his best, 8 for 63 against Northamptonshire.