CANTERBURY — Kent Cricket has secured the services of promising fast bowler Mikey Cohen for the 2025 season, with the South African-born seamer signing a one-year contract extension. The 25-year-old, who joined the club on a two-year deal ahead of the 2023 season, has committed his future to the Spitfires after a period of development and integration into the English domestic game.
The new deal represents a significant vote of confidence in Cohen’s potential from the Kent hierarchy, who have been impressed by his work ethic and raw pace. Despite a challenging start to his Kent career, which was hampered by a stress fracture in his back that sidelined him for the entirety of the 2023 campaign, Cohen made a resilient return in 2024. He featured in seven Vitality County Championship matches, claiming 13 wickets at an average of 41.23, with a best of 4/78 against Nottinghamshire.
Director of Cricket, Simon Cook, was unequivocal in his support for the bowler, stating: "Mikey has shown tremendous character to come back from a serious injury and contribute to the first team this season. He possesses genuine pace and swing, which are invaluable assets in any attack. This extension is about investing in his continued development, and we believe he has a very bright future with Kent."
A Journey from Johannesburg to Canterbury
Cohen’s path to the St Lawrence Ground is a testament to his ambition. Born in Johannesburg, he came through the ranks at Gauteng before making the bold decision to pursue a career in England, initially joining Sussex on a short-term deal in 2022. His performances there, including a maiden first-class five-wicket haul, caught the eye of Kent’s recruitment team. They moved swiftly to sign him on a longer-term contract, seeing him as a project with high upside—a bowler who could lead their seam attack in the years to come.
The immediate setback of his stress fracture was a cruel twist, but Cohen utilised the rehabilitation period to immerse himself in the club’s culture and strengthen his body. His return to competitive action this summer was a milestone, and while the statistics may not yet fully reflect his impact, insiders at Kent point to the hostility and control he has begun to display with the red ball. His ability to extract bounce and movement, particularly with the new ball, has provided glimpses of the weapon he can become.
The 2024 Season: Building Foundations
The 2024 season served as a crucial building block for Cohen. Thrust into a Kent bowling unit that has faced its share of challenges, he was tasked with sharing the new-ball responsibilities with the experienced Wes Agar and the evergreen Matt Quinn. His season highlights were not just confined to the Nottinghamshire fixture; he bowled probing spells against top-order batters across divisions, earning respect for his consistency and pace.
Reflecting on the past year and his decision to re-sign, Cohen expressed his gratitude and determination: "It’s been a tough couple of years with the injury, but the support from the club, the coaches, and my teammates has been incredible. Kent feels like home now."
He added, with an eye on the future: "I’m just starting to show what I can do, and I know there’s so much more to come. I’m hungry to repay the faith shown in me, take more wickets, and help Kent win trophies. My focus this winter is to get stronger, work on my skills, and hit the ground running in April."
The Strategic Fit for Kent’s Future
Cohen’s retention is a key piece of Kent’s strategic planning. With the landscape of county cricket constantly shifting and the potential for more squad turnover, securing developing talent is paramount. Cohen fits the profile of a bowler who can grow with the team. His skill set addresses several long-term needs for the Spitfires:
- Pace and Aggression: He offers a point of difference with his ability to bowl at sharp speeds, something Kent has sought to bolster.
- Age Profile: At 25, he is entering the traditional peak years for a fast bowler, aligning with the club’s medium-term ambitions.
- Home-Grown Qualification: Having now been resident in the UK for several years, Cohen is on a path to eventually qualify as a domestic player, adding significant future value to the roster.
Head Coach, Matt Walker, emphasised the importance of continuity and development: "Mikey is exactly the sort of character we want at Kent. He’s resilient, eager to learn, and has the raw materials to be a top-class bowler. This next year is a big opportunity for him to establish himself as a mainstay in our Championship side, and we will be giving him all the support he needs to achieve that."
Looking Ahead to the 2025 Campaign
The contract extension allows Cohen to plan his first full, uninterrupted English winter with Kent’s coaching and strength & conditioning staff. This period will be vital for adding robustness to his action and refining his white-ball skills, with an aim to break into Kent’s Vitality Blast and Metro Bank One-Day Cup teams. The club’s faith suggests they see him as a multi-format option in the near future.
For the Kent supporters, the re-signing is a positive signal. It demonstrates a commitment to nurturing talent through adversity and a belief in the squad’s core as they look to improve upon their performances across all competitions. Cohen’s journey from injury-plagued newcomer to a secured member of the pace battery is a narrative of persistence that resonates deeply within the cricketing community.
Conclusion: A Mutual Commitment
In the end, Mikey Cohen’s new one-year deal is a story of mutual commitment. Kent Cricket has shown patience and belief in a player during a difficult introductory phase, investing in his long-term potential. In return, Cohen has demonstrated loyalty and a fierce desire to succeed in Canterbury. As he looks ahead to a pivotal 2025 season, the goal is clear: to translate his evident potential into consistent match-winning performances.
The message from the club is one of optimism. Simon Cook concluded: "We’re building something here, and Mikey is an important part of that. We’re delighted he’s staying, and we can’t wait to see him charging in with the new ball for Kent next summer and beyond."