Joe Denly, Kent

“My heart was telling me I wanted to stay at Kent for many years to come”

Joe Denly has admitted it was a difficult decision to switch from Kent to Middlesex.

The 25-year-old had been with the county since 2004 and featured in 76 First Class games.

“It was a very tricky decision to make,” said Denly.

“My heart was telling me I wanted to stay at Kent for many years to come, but the sensible option for me, bearing in mind my aspirations to play for England again, was to move on.

“Money was never an issue. Kent offered me the contract they did because they felt I hadn’t scored the amount of runs they felt I should have. I hold no grudges and I’ve parted on amicable terms.

“I hope a lot of people there realise it was all about me wanting to do as well as I could in my career and to start enjoying the game again.

“Middlesex are a good club and, having just been promoted to Division One, I felt it was just the right thing for me to help start moving my career forward again.”

Denly recorded his highest First Class score, 199 against Derbyshire, in one of his last appearances for Kent, on September 9