Joe Weatherley joins Kent on loan from Hampshire

Hampshire batsman Joe Weatherley has signed a new contract with the county, and has agreed to join Division Two Kent on a season-long loan.

The former England Under-19 captain and Hampshire academy graduate has been handed a new two-year deal that will see him return to the Ageas Bowl in 2018

Weatherley has made nine first-team appearances across the three formats for Division One Hampshire, but has yet to establish himself in the side

However, the 20-year-old believes the loan move will increase his chances of first-team cricket this season.

"An opportunity came up at Kent which will allow me to get some good cricket under my belt and there's potentially more playing opportunities there this season," the right-hander said.

"Long term, my future is with Hampshire, but, given the strength of the side on paper this year, this works really well to help with developing my game."