Kent opener Daniel Bell-Drummond has pledged his future to the club after signing a contract extension.

The England Lions batsman, who turns 24 next month, is a graduate of the prolific Kent Cricket Academy and has represented the county since the age of seven.

He made his first class debut aged just 17 and has become a regular at the top of the order in all formats, earning his county cap in 2015.

2016 was a breakthrough year with Bell-Drummond improving his career-best in all three formats and earning Kent’s One-Day Player of the Year award.

The Lewisham-born right-hander said: “Kent has been a huge part of my life since I was seven years old. I feel very much at home here.

“I want to play for England one day and I feel my game is progressing well with the support of Matt Walker and the Kent coaches.

“It’s an exciting time for the club and I want to contribute to some success for our supporters.”

Kent head coach Matt Walker said: “Daniel has worked very hard on all aspects of his game and it’s pleasing to see the progress he’s made in recent years.

“The most exciting thing about Daniel is how much more there is to come and it’s great to see him commit his future to the club.

“He’s shown maturity beyond his years since breaking into the side at the top of the order where there’s no hiding place.”