Former Kent bowler Simon Cook will be returning to the club as a specialist bowling coach from October 1.

Cook started his career with Middlesex before joining Kent in 2005, where he managed 362 wickets in 236 appearances across all formats at an average of 29.27.

He was awarded Kent County Cap number 202 in 2007 on the back of his key role in leading Kent Spitfires to T20 success that year, finishing the competition as joint-top wicket taker with 17.

Cook made two more T20 Finals Day appearances with Kent in 2008 and 2009, as well as reaching the Pro-50 final and winning County Championship Division 2.

On returning to Kent, Cook said: “It’s fantastic to be back at a county where I enjoyed so many happy memories and successes during my playing career.

“After playing with Matt Walker and Min Patel for many years here at Kent, I’m looking forward to working closely with both of them as we look to compete at the top level, as well as improving our bowling stocks for years to come.”

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Kent’s director of cricket Paul Downton added: “I am really excited about Simon joining forces with Matt Walker to work with our bowlers.

“Simon’s coaching credentials are outstanding. He understands the county and will bring all his experience of being a successful Kent cricketer, as well as a successful hands-on coach with a wide range of experience, to help take the side to the next level.

“It is also important that our best coaches work with our Academy and youth prospects, as well as the first team, and the addition of Simon will help secure the Talent Pathway from Age Group to first team cricket.”

Cook completed his ECB Level 4 coaching award while at Kent ahead of his departure in 2012.

Since retiring from the sport he has served as head coach of Hong Kong cricket club and worked as a specialist bowling coach for the Hong Kong national team in 2014.

Hong Kong achieved ODI status that year as well as recording their first ever ODI and first-class wins under the guidance of Cook as interim head coach in 2015.

Having been appointed as permanent head coach shortly after, Cook led the team in the 2016 World T20 in India and their first ever ODI victory over an ICC Full Member in Afghanistan in 2018.

Cook was also in charge as Hong Kong recorded their first tournament win in 10 years in Malaysia's Asia Cup qualifiers last year.

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