Kent are actively trying to sign another overseas player.
Wes Agar returned in time for Kent’s opening County Championship Division 1 draw against Somerset at Canterbury but, with fellow Australian bowler Xavier Bartlett now not playing red-ball cricket for the county and his replacement, Beyers Swanepoel, only joining next month, he is their only non-domestic recruit as it stands.
Head coach Matt Walker explained Kent are eager to add another overseas recruit to their ranks before the arrival of South African all-rounder Swanepoel if possible.
“It won’t be for the Essex game,” revealed Walker, with Kent playing Essex at Chelmsford from Friday before they welcome champions Surrey to Canterbury next week.
“We are hoping to find somebody to come for game three, before Beyers gets in, and he (Swanepoel) will probably come into it from game five. The Lancashire game might be a bit tight for him.
“We just feel that we could do with another seamer with the injuries that we have got.
“We have got to be very conscious of looking after Wes and Gilly (Nathan Gilchrist), in particular, who are our two sort of strike bowlers. There’s a big demand on them.
“Gilly is pushing hard to play T20s this year and that’s very much at the forefront of his mind, and Wes will be part of the two overseas players for that competition. So, we cannot flog them to death.
“We want to be able to rotate those guys.”
Walker confirmed another overseas addition could leave Kent in a position where they could have three in their squad, with only two available to play.
“You can do that,” he said. “I think you can have three on the register at any stage.
“When Beyers is due to be here, it’ll be tight for the Lancashire game.
“We’re looking. It’s not easy, there’s not many out there, but I think we just need that bit of cover.”
Another potential Kent overseas signing could be joined in the squad for the Surrey game by Zak Crawley.
Batsman Crawley, 26, will return to the county fold next week, having been instructed from the England Cricket Board to miss two of Kent’s first seven County Championship Division 1 matches.
Walker said: “Zak will strengthen our batting line-up.
“He will be ready to rock and roll, come the Surrey game. We will welcome him back with open arms.
“I think he would have enjoyed batting out there on Monday and maybe missed out on some runs! We’re always in close communication with Zak and he’s trying to do the best for both (Kent and England).
“There’s no panic and it’s presented an opportunity at the top of the order for other guys to try and cement their places, and create some competition.
“When he comes back, he gives us some world-class quality in our line-up.”
Essex lead the way in County Championship Division 1 after the first round of matches.
They bowled hosts Nottinghamshire for a second-innings total of just 80 at Trent Bridge on their way to a 254-run win.
