Bears swoop for Kent seamer as three-year deal agreed

The 25-year-old will join the club from November after agreeing a contract through to the end of the 2028 season.

Zimbabwe-born Gilchrist has spent the past five years in Canterbury, taking 107 wickets in 35 first-class matches. 

He becomes the Bears' second new signing ahead of next season after all-rounder Jordan Thompson joined from Yorkshire.

Gilchrist, who earned an England Lions call-up in 2023, said: “Signing for Warwickshire is an absolute career milestone for me. 

“The quality of the Bears team is incredible and it’s a real compliment that they can see a role for me in their plans. 

“I’ve had five great years at Kent and learnt so much whilst I was there, but this is an exciting opportunity for me, and I can’t wait to get started.”

Gilchrist’s arrival will continue the steady overhaul of the Bears bowling attack and James Thomas, the club’s new performance director, believes they have signed a player approaching his prime.

He explained: “Nathan represents exactly the type of talent we're looking to add to our squad - a bowler entering his prime, who has the hunger, character and ability to compete at the highest level. 

“His experience with Kent, including being their leading wicket-taker in the County Championship, and with the England Lions in 2023, gives us confidence he can make an immediate impact.”

Bears first-team coach Ian Westwood added: “Nathan is a proven performer at county level who has demonstrated real quality with the ball. 

“We're excited to have Nathan in a Bears jersey and believe he'll be a key component in our pursuit of trophy success over the coming seasons."