KENT will be without their Pakistan pace ace Mohammad Sami for tomorrow's Canterbury Festival week championship match against Essex - and possibly the remainer of their relegation threatened campaign.

The firebrand from Karachi damaged an ankle while fielding during the Kent's three-day win against Nottinghamshire in Miadstone a fortnight ago when he took match figures of 15 for 115.

The injury has turned out more complex than first thought and, on medical advice, Sami is to return home for a period of rest and further treatment.

Commenting on this, the latest blow of an injury riddled season, skipper David Fulton said: "It is very sad for everyone at Kent that Mohammad cannot continue to play for us.

He is a very talented cricketer and, in his short time with us, has made a huge contribution.

"He has a lot of cricket ahead of him and it is important for him to get home and regain his fitness.

"We are fortunate to have Muttiah Muralitharan with us and, when Andrew Symonds returns, he will take Sami’s place as our second overseas player ahead of schedule on 11 August against Worcester."

Kent name a squad of 12 ahead of tomorrow’s match against fellow strugglers Essex after adding Michael Carberry and Matthew Banes to the batting line-up

Amjad Khan, now fully fit after a fractured shin, will also be pushing for a return to championship cricket in Sami’s stead.

Kent squad: Fulton (Captain), Key, Carberry, Smith, Walker, Banes, Ealham, Jones, Khan, Saggers, Muralitharan, Sheriyar.