Kent all-rounder Darren Stevens, who turns 45 in April, has signed a contract extension that will see him play until the end of the 2022 season.
Stevens seems to tout the effects of aging even more enthusiastically with each passing year. He currently leads the Kent batting average in the County Championship, hitting an astonishing 190 off 149 balls against Glamorgan in May - including 160 off 166 for the ninth wicket with Miguel Cummins. He is also their highest wicket-taker with 26 with 19.65.
Earlier this month, he returned to Kent's T20I squad for the first time since 2017, becoming the first man to score 1000 runs and take 100 wickets for the club in all three formats of the game in the process.
"I have worked hard to earn my place in the Kent playing XI across all formats this year, and I feel fit and strong to continue to contribute more as a Kent player," said Stevens. "There's a big group of boys here and we're all focused on giving good performances and winning more games of cricket for Kent."
Unlike in 2019, when Kent announced they would not renew Stevens' contract, only for him to force a change of course by producing a career-best 237 off 225 balls, the club has since switched to a cult-status all-rounder. Looking forward to rewarding. He continues to have good form.
He has been always present for Kent in first-class cricket since then, and in April he was named one of Wisden's Five Cricketers of the Year for his efforts the previous summer – making him the oldest recipient of the award since 1933. The recipient has been made.
Kent's Director of Cricket Paul Downton said: "Darren Kent remains an invaluable member of the team and I am delighted that he will be with us for another season in 2022.
"Darren's skills have been greatly underestimated. Over the past few seasons, Canterbury pitches have regularly scored top marks of 'very good', which has seen Darren become even more effective as a bowler. He has worked really hard on himself as well.The results have been great while batting to get confidence in his defense again.
“The fact that he has worked back on our Vitality Blast team for the first time in four years is a huge testament to his improving appetite and his desire to keep playing the game he loves. 'Stevo' has rightfully earned his hero status not only among Kent members and supporters, but among cricket fans in general, and I am sure this news will be greeted with congratulations."