Kent keep promotion heroes Milnes and Northeast until 2028

Kent have kept the two players who powered their promotion season. Matt Milnes and Sam Northeast will stay until the end of the 2028 season after Kent triggered contract extension clauses. BBC Sport

The news was confirmed on 2 October. It rewards a superb return year for both men.

Milnes, 32, took 54 wickets to finish as Kent’s leading wicket-taker in the 2026 campaign. Northeast, 36, scored 890 runs to finish as Kent’s leading run-scorer. Together they drove Kent back to Division One of the County Championship, England’s domestic four-day competition played across two divisions with promotion and relegation between them.

Both players rejoined Kent at the start of the season after spells elsewhere. Their form made an instant impact. Kent needed reliable runs and regular wickets. They got both.

Northeast’s story has come full circle. He is a former Kent club captain and rejoined from Glamorgan ahead of the 2026 season, initially on a two-year deal. Milnes also returned to Canterbury after time away and quickly became the leader of the attack.

Kent’s director of cricket is Simon Cook. He has now secured his two key performers for two more years as the club prepares for the step up.

What makes this stand out is the timing. Newly promoted teams often lose momentum. Kent have locked in experience at both ends of the game, a proven run-maker and a proven wicket-taker, before the hard work of Division One begins.

For fans, this means continuity. The same names that delivered promotion will lead the fight to stay there.