Kent will be hoping to put their cruel luck behind them as they go trophy hunting this season.

Fast bowler Dean Headley has been forced to retire because of a back injury while seamer Julian Thompson has had to quit the game because of knee problems.

Kent captain Matthew Fleming is consequently hoping for more luck with his bowlers this summer and badly wants trophies after an average season in which, though they were not relegated from the first divisions of the County Championship or the National League, they rarely looked like gaining success.

With this in mind they have signed South African Test batsman Darryl Cullinan as their overseas player as a replacement for India's Rahul Dravid who said his busy schedule with India made it impossible for him to spend another season at Kent.

Cullinan had one season with Derbyshire in 1995 and, though he topped 1,000 runs at an average of nearly 46, there was an impression that not all was well with the South African.

However, six years later and a wealth of Test runs to his credit, Cullinan is clearly relishing the challenge of the coming season. "This time I'll be better prepared for county cricket," he said.

"The opportunity to represent Kent this season, particularly with its distinguished and proud cricketing name, was one not to be missed. It is my sincere wish and aim to contribute in all possible ways to the continued and future success of the club."

Fleming said of the appointment: "It is great news that Daryll has decided to join Kent. He has an outstanding reputation on the international circuit and I am sure will contribute greatly to our efforts on the field this coming season. His experience will be invaluable and I know that he is most enthusiastic about joining up with us."

Nineteen-year-old Robert Ferley has been awarded a contract for this season following personal success on England Under-19s' tour of India during the winter. Left-arm spinner Ferley improved throughout the tour and took four for 32 to help the side to victory in a One-Day International against the hosts.

Squad: K Adams, M Banes, D Cullinan, M Ealham, R Ferley, M Fleming (captain), D Fulton, J Golding, J Hockley, G Jones, R Key, A Loudon, A Khan, P Lazenbery, D Masters, M McCague, P Nixon, M Patel, B Phillips, M Saggers, E Smith, B Trott, M Walker, J Watson, A Wells.

Overseas: Darryl Cullinan (South Africa).

In: Cullinan, R Ferley, G Jones.

Out: R Clinton, R Dravid, D Headley, S Marsh, D Scott, J Thompson.

© CricInfo Ltd.