Kent's pre-season preparations have been boosted by the the news that Graham Ford will be staying with the county after pulling out of the race to become England’s new coach.

Ford touted as the “the best man for the job” by county skipper Robert Key when former coach Peter Moores was sacked in January, was apparently frustrated by the time being taken to find a successor.

The 48-year-old South African was amongst the early favourites for the job, before skipper Kevin Pietersen lost his job in a surprise double sacking, but stayed in contention having been asked to apply.

Ford, who joined Kent in 2004, turned down the chance to coach India two years ago, and hinted he may have been having second thoughts earlier this month, citing the terrorist attack on the Sri Lankan cricket squad, including former county coach Paul Farbrace in Pakistan as the reason for changing his mind.

Meanwhile another ex-Kent man, New Zealander John Wright and assistant England coach Andy Flower are still being linked with the job.

The county start their competitive build-up to the new season with a three-day friendly against Nottinghamshire at Canterbury on Wednesday (11am)