Kentís cricketers return for pre-season

Kent“s squad has reported back to the St Lawrence Ground for the start of official pre-season training with decent weather for the first day outside.

There is now less than a month before the opening ball will be bowled in Kent“s first competitive game of the season.

The likes of captain Rob Key, Joe Denly, Geraint Jones and the rest of the squad all reported back today. Darren Stevens and Azhar Mahmood return tomorrow with Simon Cook back in on Wednesday.

Off-spinner James Tredwell is the only player away longer term. He is with England on their current tour of Bangladesh.

While official pre-season training is only now beginning, the squad has already been hard at work.

Regular net practices have been held through the winter, as well as punishing fitness sessions – including the dreaded bleep test last Friday.

Commenting on the return of the players, Kent team director, Paul Farbrace, said: “It“s always good to be back for the start of a new season, especially being outdoors on grass. It was pleasing to see everyone fully committed to the first day and putting in a hard day“s work. We are all looking forward to the challenges that lie ahead. Today has been a good starting point.”