Kent have drafted in experienced Somerset seamer Steffan Jones on loan to boost their limited bowling resources ahead of the opening LV County Championship Division Two game of the season against Northamptonshire at Canterbury on Tuesday.

With Australian Stuart Clark ruled out, Ryan McLaren on IPL duty in South Africa, Amjad Khan injured, and Martin Saggers, Simon Cook and Robbie Joseph all suffering early season niggles, Kent had to act quickly.

The 35-year old right arm fast medium bowler (pictured right) took 5-63 against Kent in Somerset's exciting 20 run win at Tunbridge Wells last May, when Joe Denly hit 149, before being last man out.

Jones in his second spell with Somerset, having also played for Northants and Derbyshire.

Coach Simon Willis hasn't given up on having a new overseas recruit here in time for the opening Friends Provident Trophy game, against Somerset at Taunton next Sunday.

He said: "I hope we can do something. but it all depends on the paperwork, and until that's finalised, I don't want to say anything more."

It looks increasingly likely that Willis will oversee Kent's start to life in Division 2 for the first time, as coach Graham Ford is still in South Africa awaiting visa clearance.

Willis said: "Nothing seems to be happening, and I am sure the delay is proving frustrating and disappointing for Graham."

Meanwhile the final two days of Kent's pre-season first class friendly with Loughborough UCCE were washed out at Canterbury last week.

Darren Stevens hit an unbeaten 193 off 267 balls, including 23 fours and a six in a total of 499-5. There were also half centuries for new dad Geraint Jones (54), youngster Sam Northeast (64) and the returning James Hockley, who made 55 not out.