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Stoinis signs with Kent for T20 stint

Aussie limited-overs allrounder will get a taste of English conditions ahead of next year's 50-over World Cup

Australia limited-overs allrounder Marcus Stoinis has signed with UK county side Kent ahead of the newly re-branded Vitality Blast T20 competition in England later this year.

The competition follows Australia’s upcoming ODI series against England in June, allowing Stoinis set to link up with his new side for the last 9 of their 14 group stage matches.

The powerful 28-year-old has become an increasingly valuable commodity on the domestic T20 market in recent years, as indicated by his $AUD 1.2 million price tag for the upcoming Indian Premier League next month.

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The payday followed an impressive summer in international colours for Stoinis, who notched 221 runs at 44.2 in Australia’s five-match ODI series against England - including a crucial 87 at first drop after being promoted up the order in Perth.

The knock was enough to earn the endorsement of Australian cricket legend Mike Hussey to fill the vital No.3 spot for Australia heading into next year’s World Cup, despite his reputation as a damaging finisher later in the innings.  

"Initially I was a bit sceptical about it because I just think he's so valuable at the back of the innings," Hussey said.

"But having watched his batting in Perth, batting at No.3 was really impressive. His defence looked really solid, he's still got the power and all the shots.

"I thought it was actually a really good move and something positive to come out of that game looking forward. I think he could be someone to bat No.3 for Australia.

"He can play dual roles; if the pitch is doing a bit and he has to work his way through it and not be so aggressive, he's got the technique to be able to handle that. But if it's a really flat pitch or Australia are chasing a really big score, he can be really aggressive right from the start and we saw him do that in Perth. I think it was a really good move."

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Kent Director of cricket Paul Downton said: "Marcus is a dynamic cricketer who will add depth to our batting and bowling in the Vitality Blast.

"He has T20 experience in a number of overseas competitions and his recent white-ball form for Australia has been impressive. He is a match winner and I’m delighted he will be joining us this summer.”

The signing makes Stoinis the latest Australian to target an 'off-season' in the UK, after Mitchell Marsh announced he'd be honing his red-ball skills in the county competition, and Matt Renshaw said he was also pursuing a county deal.