Keith Dudgeon: Kent seamer ruled out for season with knee injury

Kent have confirmed South African pace bowler Keith Dudgeon has been ruled out for the rest of the domestic season through injury.

The 29-year-old sustained a knee injury in training before Kent’s eight-wicket victory against Middlesex and will return to South Africa to receive treatment.

“Kent Cricket can confirm that following scans and advice from specialists, Keith Dudgeon’s knee injury sustained in training last week has cut short his time as a Kent cricketer this summer,” said a statement on the club website, external.

Dudgeon produced career-best figures of 7-36 to wrap up Kent’s emphatic victory over Northamptonshire on his debut last week.

After the match, new Kent coach Adam Hollioake said Dudgeon was “a great signing”, adding: “What an impact – it’s a dream start to his Kent career.”

In March, Dudgeon signed for Kent alongside Pakistan Test bowler Kashif Ali for the 2025 season.

“I’m absolutely gutted for my time at Kent to come to a close so quickly,” Dudgeon added in a personal statement.

“I’ve loved everyone at the club from the playing staff, coaching staff all the way to the members and supporters.

“I really hope to stay strong and fit as soon as possible, and when that time comes, hopefully I get the opportunity to represent this great club again in the future.”

Following their second win of the season against Middlesex, which was wrapped up within three days, Kent currently sit top of the County Championship division two standings.