Cook played 11 Championship matches for Middlesex in 2004

Cook was the Crusaders' leading wicket-taker in one-day cricket last season, with a record 39 wickets at an average of 15.35 in the Totesport League.

He has signed a two-year deal with Kent, whose finished second in the Championship last year despite an injury-hit attack.

"Kent is a club with big ambitions and I look forward to helping them fulfil their goals," said Cook.

"I would like to thank Middlesex for their support over the last eight years. I feel that it is time to make a positive move for my career."

As hard as we tried to keep him, he wanted a fresh and new challenge Vinny Codrington Middlesex chief executive

Despite his one-day success, Cook only played in 11 Championship games for Middlesex last term, taking 34 wickets at 29.64.

Chief executive Vinny Codrington said the Lord's club had tried hard to keep the 27-year-old.

Codrington added: "He has been with the club since 1997, and it is always sad to lose a player who has developed with the club.

"However, we respect his reasons for wanting to move on, and, as hard as we tried to keep him, he wanted a fresh and new challenge. We wish him well".

Kent's chairman of cricket Graham Johnson was delighted by the signing, saying: "His all-round ability will strengthen our squad in all forms of cricket."

"We are looking forward to him making a significant contribution to the future of Kent cricket."