Lancashire spinner Matt Parkinson will leave the club to join Kent when his current deal expires at the end of the season.

Parkinson made his first-class debut in 2016 and has gone on to make 135 appearances across all formats at Old Trafford.

The 26-year-old made his England Test debut against New Zealand 12 months ago, becoming the national team’s first concussion substitute for Jack Leach.

However, he hasn’t been called up for his country since then and was also overlooked in this season’s Hundred draft despite previously representing Manchester Originals in the competition.

The leg-spinner took a five-wicket haul in Lancashire’s first game of the campaign against reigning champions Surrey.

He also had a brief loan stint at Durham a couple of months ago following an injury to Matt Kuhnemann.

“The time is right for me to embrace a new challenge and environment. I’m so excited that this will be at Kent,” Parkinson told the club website.

“I’m proud of my record in the game so far and I believe my best years as a leg-spin bowler are ahead of me.

“I’ve heard very positive things about the squad and I’m looking forward to working with Matt Walker and the other coaches.”

He added: “I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank the Lancs members for the support they have given me during my time at Old Trafford. I thank my team-mates for their friendship and wish them the best.”

Lancashire director of cricket performance Mark Chilton says the club respects Parkinson’s decision to pursue a fresh challenge.

He stated: “On behalf of everybody connected with Lancashire Cricket, I would like to thank Matt for all of his commitment and efforts since making his first-class debut in 2016, having progressed through our Academy.

“Matt has found first team opportunities limited this season and we respect the decision that he has made to move on at the end of his contract, in order to seek a new challenge elsewhere.

“We would all like to wish Matt well for the next stage of his career at Canterbury.”

Kent finished fifth in Division One last season but find themselves ninth in the current standings, having won one of their seven matches so far.