SOUTH AFRICAN Andrew Hall has been confirmed as Kent’s first new overseas signing for the 2005 season.

The 29-year-old Johannesburg born all-rounder was one of three names at the top of the county’s list of potential imports.

It will be his second spell in county cricket, having played for Worcestershire last season, and he has just completed a highly successful tour of India. He made his test debut in 2001, having made his one-day bow three years earlier.

Hall said: “I am very excited to be joining Kent next season, and to be playing another season in England. They have a squad capable of being competitive in all forms of cricket and I very much hope that I will be able to help them achieve success in 2005. Being a pivotal player in helping the squad deliver is very motivating.”

Hall played 12 games for Worcestershire last season, scoring 558 runs, with a highest score of 81, averaging nearly 33. He took 30 wickets with a best of 3-10.

Club captain David Fulton said: “Everyone at the club is delighted that Andrew has agreed to join us. We have been looking for the right individual to fill the all-rounder spot that is so important to the balance or our side in both four-day and one-day competitions. he has a range of skills with both bat and ball in both forms of cricket as well as the desire to win.”

Availability was a key factor in Kent’s search, and Fulton added: “He will be with us from the middle of may for the whole seasonwhich will give us continuity and he brings with him international experience and an excellent record in county cricket.

“With Andrew in our squad we look to have the right credentials to improve our one day performance in 2005 and be as competitive as we were in 2004 in the four day format.”

Hall was the victim of a mugging in 1998, being shot at six times in an attack at a cash machine. One bullet lodged in his left hand, without causing serious injury and he recovered to play one-day international cricket against the West Indies the following year.

Meanwhile Kent have appointed Player of the Season Matthew Walker as the club’s new vice captain. Walker, 31 next month, will fill the role in all forms of cricket.

Chairman of Cricket Graham Johnson said: "We see a number of advantages in announcing Matthew’s role well in advance of the season.

“Getting the Kent squad to deliver it’s potential consistently is critical to future success. Matthew was one player who demonstrated this admirably last season.

"He has a lot to offer both on and off the field and I am sure he will rise to the challenge and enjoy playing an important, expanded role for Kent in 2005."

* Kent skipper David Fulton spoke to KM-fm Sports Editor Simon Watts about the new capture...