SOMERSET seamer Tim Groenewald is to sign for Kent following the expiry of his Somerset contract.

Groenewald, 35, joined Somerset midway through the 2014 season and has been a regular member of the team across all three formats in the five-and-a-half seasons which have followed.

In 2019, he played 20 times in all competitions and took 18 County Championship wickets at 26.22 with a best of 5-51.

As well as taking more than 200 wickets for Somerset, Groenewald played several notable innings down the order as his hard-hitting style endeared him to the Taunton crowd.

He was described as 'the best number 11 in world cricket' by Somerset fans and, perhaps most notably, put on 65 for the last wicket with Jamie Overton to win a One-Day Cup game against Gloucestershire in 2016.

Groenewald told the club website: “I’ve had the most incredible time here.

"Hands down it’s been the best period of my career. I’ve really enjoyed my time with Somerset and I’ll be taking so many good memories with me.

“I look back on my time in Taunton with a lot of pride.

"The teammates that I’ve played with and the supporters have been superb, and it’s been great to see the ground develop as well. It’s been a really good journey.

“The thing that I love most about the Somerset supporters is their cricket knowledge.

"There aren’t many grounds around the world where the fans have so much knowledge and passion for the game.

"Somerset are extremely lucky because the atmosphere around the club is excellent. There’s nowhere quite like Somerset and it’s a special place that I’m going to miss.”

Director of cricket Andy Hurry said: “Tim has been the absolute model professional during his time with Somerset. He has been a consistent performer across all three formats of the game and has never given anything less than 100%.

“His love of the game and his pride in his performance is clear for all to see whenever he takes a wicket. He is a genuine team man and gives everything both on and off the field.

“We have a number of talented young bowlers in the squad now who are looking to make an impact and need the opportunity to play more.

"As a result, this would impact on Tim’s opportunities in the First XI.

"It has therefore been decided that it would be best for all concerned for him to start a new chapter of his career.

“It has been an absolute pleasure to work with Tim and we all wish him the very best as he prepares for a new challenge at Kent.”