Netherlands international Fred Klaassen signs one-year Kent contract extension

Klaassen made 22 appearances in his first season of county cricket before helping the Dutch side qualify for this year's T20 World Cup

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Left-arm seam bowler Fred Klaassen has agreed a one-year contract extension with Kent after a breakthrough season with the county.

Klaassen had initially joined the Canterbury outfit at the end of 2018 on a two-year deal after taking nine wickets in two second-team outings, but the 27-year-old has earned an extra season after making 22 appearances for the first team in his maiden season of county cricket.

The Sussex-born bowler became a regular fixture in the Spitfires' white-ball setup in 2019, claiming 10 wickets as one of six players to feature in the team's entire T20 Blast campaign.

He had previously made his international debut in the format in June 2018 after impressing for Dutch club side VOC Rotterdam, and he went on to make five appearances as the Netherlands triumphed at October's T20 World Cup Qualifier, including a 2-32 with the new ball to help the side past Ireland in the semi-final.

Klaassen, who previously played club cricket in New Zealand and Scotland, said: "I'm really enjoying my cricket here at Kent. It's been a different pathway in terms of the usual cricketing professional, but I've enjoyed it all the same.

"I'm really pleased that I was able to play a part across all three formats for Kent in my first season at the club. All I can do is keep improving my game and continue to contribute to this talented side."

Paul Downton, the county's director of cricket, added: "Fred gives an extra dimension to our attack with his left-arm seam. He is a quick learner and made significant progress last year playing a part in all of our T20 Blast matches.

"I'm delighted that Fred will be with us until at least the end of 2021. I have no doubt he will continue to improve his skills and become a more and more influential player, for both Kent and the Netherlands."