KENT, and their skipper Rob Key in particular, will be keen to see Justin Kemp complete South Africa’s one-day series with Australia injury free.

Rumours from the Proteas’ camp last week suggested Kemp may require shoulder surgery but, after speaking to the all-rounder by telephone, Key dismissed the speculation as "rubbish".

However, a weekend press release from United Cricket Board of South Africa media manager Gerald de Kock, added fuel to the flames in saying Kemp may still require surgery even though the injury is seemingly on the mend.

He said: "His shoulder is improving all the time after having two cortisone injections into the shoulder.

"It is getting better and he is working his way back to full bowling fitness, but if the problem becomes worse the surgeon has said that instead of giving Justin another injection he would prefer to perform an operation.

"We will continue to monitor the situation and will probably have an idea within the next two weeks of what action if any may be required."

The board also confirmed that should Kemp undergo surgery his expected recuperation time would be three to six weeks.