KENT have been boosted by the news that Aussie all-rounder Andrew Symonds will be rejoining the squad next week.

The Birmingham-born, Queensland-raised player returns for his fourth spell with the county having been overlooked for his country’s forthcoming Test tour of Zimbabwe.

The 28-year-old, who gets married this weekend, is due to team up with Kent next Thursday and will be available for their second totesport National League match of the season against Lancashire at Old Trafford.

Kent’s chief executive Paul Millman said: “He is pretty hardened to having been dropped from the Test side and is looking forward to joining us.

“Andrew recognises the rationale as to why he was dropped in favour of Simon Katich and knows that coming here gives him an opportunity to make his mark again.

“Because of one-day commitments he will miss the county and one-day games at Tunbridge Wells against Lancashire and the championship clash at The Oval, but otherwise he will be with us for the entire season up to the Champions Trophy.

“In terms of continuity and knowing what we get from a player that’s good news for the club.”

Kent are still working to bring Pakistan paceman Mohammad Sami to the club in time for their next Frizzell Championship match against Gloucestershire in Canterbury on May 7.

Eleventh hour changes in visa applications have caused a slight delay, but Sami will at least appreciate the rest having just completed a tough Test series against India.