Clark deal falls through

Fears over fitness force Kent to cancel move

Last updated: 16th March 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Clark deal falls through

Clark: Deal off

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Kent are searching for a new overseas player after their deal to sign Stuart Clark fell through due to concerns over the Australian's fitness.

Clark, who has taken 94 wickets in 24 Tests at an average of 23.86, was due to arrive at Canterbury of the first half of the season.

A back injury had sidelined the 34-year-old paceman and although he has returned to action for New South Wales, Kent have decided not to risk bringing Clark in for just three months.

Kent head coach Paul Farbrace told the club's website: "I'm very disappointed that Stuart is not coming to Kent because he offers so much - both on and off the field.

"I would like to thank him for his honesty throughout as it made the decision that much easier."

It is the second time Kent have seen a deal for Clark collapse with the Spitfires having seen visa issues scupper attempts to bring him across in 2009.

Kent have already confirmed the signing of Sri Lanka leg spinner Malinga Bandara for the second half of the season - and Farbrace admitted the Spitfires would not be rushed into replacing Clark.

"We are continuing to work on other options, as we have been for the last couple of months," he added

"We had someone lined up, as a possible alternative, but he has just been named by his country in their ICC World Twenty20 Cup squad.

"We are looking for someone that will offer value for money, and is the right type of individual to bring into our dressing room, but won't sign someone for the sake of it."