Dexter loaned to Essex

Neil Dexter will be in Essex livery in 2008 Twenty20

Kent have loaned Neil Dexter to Essex for the upcoming Twenty20 Cup.

The 23-year-old South African-born batsman has had limited opportunities to break into the top order this season, though he did score a match-winning 101 not out for the Spitfires in the Friends Provident Trophy quarter-final against Somerset Sabres last week.

Dexter goes straight into Essex's squad for the opening Twenty20 South Group match with Surrey Brown Caps at the Brit Oval on Wednesday.

Essex first-team coach Paul Grayson said: “I saw a lot of him during my days as Second XI Coach and he’s an exciting, hungry young player.

“As someone who also bowls and is an excellent fielder we see him as a ‘like for like’ replacement for Ravi (Bopara).

“From our point of view we are going to lose Bopara and Alastair Cook after our first Twenty20 Cup match so we need to bring in a new batsman to freshen things up.

“Neil’s clearly in form so we are delighted to have his services for a month.

“It’s no secret that we’ve been struggling for runs lately and the time has come for us to be proactive in the loan market.”

The loan arrangement is not unprecedented between these two counties.

Last season Kent loaned medium-pacer Martin Saggers out to Essex on a month-long loan, before the former England bowler returned to Canterbury.

Lancashire all-rounder Kyle Hogg also had spells at Worcestershire and Nottinghamshire last season.

Kent coach Graham Ford said: “We are delighted that we are able to give Neil the opportunity to play first team cricket with Essex.

“We recognise that opportunities for him so far this season have been limited.

“The loan system will enable Neil to play first team cricket for Essex during the Twenty20 competition and we wish him every success.”

Dexter has played 11 Twenty20 matches for Kent, with a highest score of 36 against Essex Eagles in 2006.

The Spitfires are paired with Essex in the Twenty20 Cup, but Dexter cannot play against his parent county in that time.

He can also be recalled to Canterbury at any time.