Kent Cricket chief executive Jamie Clifford believes the club have made a serious statement of intent by signing Vernon Philander.

The 28-year-old all-rounder is the latest in a long line of South Africans to have played at Kent in recent years, and Mr Clifford has no doubt he will make a big impact.

He said: “You can make a statement as a club by recruiting a player of standing and there’s no doubt with the No2-ranked Test bowler in the world that Vernon is a player of standing.

"We hope the signing will provide a fresh impetus for what is a very exciting phase of the season.

"In the last 10 years we've had Andrew Hall, Tyron Henderson, Justin Kemp, Charl Langeveldt, Ryan McLaren, Makhaya Ntini, Morne Morkel, Wayne Parnell and Martin van Jaarsveld - so Vernon's following a decent list of compatriots. it would be great to build on that history."

Mr Clifford revealed the search for an overseas player had begun before the start of the season in April, and he hopes the signing will prove worthwhile financially.

He explained: "Vernon’s name came up about a month ago and the process took off from there. A lot of work goes into it, other counties were interested.

"We wanted to bring in a player who would add impact during the t20 phase but it was important that the person who came played a full and active part in the club while they were here. We asked him and Vernon reacted very positively to that."

Mr Clifford revealed the announcement was delayed until Wednesday lunchtime due to visa issues.

He said: "Vernon hadn't yet got his visa on Tuesday lunchtime, even though there was a flight booked for that night. Fortunately everything fell into place. We are delighted to welcome him.

"We've been here before with Graham Ford, a very protracted period trying to get a visa, and Stuart Clark who famously was announced as overseas player a couple of times, and appeared in the Kent annual, but never actually played a game for the club."