Kent have made their first move into the overseas market this season by signing South African paceman Wayne Parnell.

The 27-year-old previously represented Kent during two spells in 2009 and will be available for action in the Specsavers County Championship and Royal London One-Day Cup before returning to international duty.

The left-hander, who hails from Port Elizabeth, said: “I really enjoyed my time at Kent in 2009 when we won Division 2 and reached the T20 Finals Day.

“I learned a lot from the experience and I hope to help the side continue their strong start in the County Championship and get off to a flyer in the One Day Cup.

“I look forward to working with Matt Walker, Jason Gillespie and the boys.”

Parnell has played four Tests, the last of which was against Australia in 2014. He has also played 54 one-day internationals for the Proteas taking 76 wickets at an average of 29.63, and has five years' experience playing in the Indian Premier League.

Kent chairman of cricket Graham Johnson said: “Wayne is an experienced international bowler who will add pace and a new angle to our attack.

“At 27, he still has a point to prove and complements the other bowlers in our unit well.

“Whilst we have a large seam contingent in the squad we want to make sure we keep raising the bar and players of international quality signal that intent.

“We are fiercely ambitious and will continue to strengthen in this way where we believe it is appropriate.”

Parnell should be available to play in the Specsavers County Championship match against his former club Sussex at Hove, starting on Good Friday.

His home comeback is scheduled to be against Derbyshire at The Spitfire Ground, St Lawrence a week later