An Australian all-rounder who has been playing in the Kent League Premier Division this summer will join Kent Spitfires for their One-Day Cup defence.

James Bazley signs after playing club cricket for Sandwich Town, where he’s scored more than 400 runs in 2023 and claimed 28 wickets.

“I’m really excited to be joining Kent for their defence of the One-Day Cup,” the 28-year-old said.

“It’s a great opportunity to play county cricket with a great club, and I’m looking forward to joining up with the squad and getting started.”

Bazley has been one of Brisbane Heat’s most accomplished bowlers in the past few years in the T20 Big Bash League in Australia, where he’s played alongside Kent club captain Sam Billings, and he’s also been a key part of Queensland’s 50-over side in the Marsh Cup.

It comes after injury-hit Spitfires secured the services of England leg-spinner Matt Parkinson on loan from Lancashire for the entirety of the newly-named Metro Bank One-Day Cup competition, with Kent starting against Yorkshire in Scarborough on Tuesday.

Sandwich Town skipper Jan Gray explained how former overseas player Marnus Labuschagne - now an Australian international - helped introduce Sandwich to Bazley in May.

While playing in the Garden of England, Labuschagne became friends with team-mate Rory Smith, also a semi-professional footballer with Deal Town. Smith has since had stints living with Labuschagne Down Under where he met Bazley.

“Rory is very good friends with Marnus Labuschagne who was the overseas about 10 years ago,” said Gray at the time.

“I understand Marnus and James are good friends.

“When Rory has met up with Marnus and stayed with him, that’s how he got to know James over the years.”

Kent director of cricket Paul Downton said: “We’re delighted to welcome James into our squad for the One-Day Cup.

“He has really enjoyed his time playing for Sandwich Town, and his all-round ability with the white ball will add to our competitiveness in the competition.”

Bazley is a fast-medium bowler and a lower-order power-hitter with the bat.