Kent chairman George Kennedy has backed the club’s policy of fielding home-grown players to achieve success in 2015, claiming “this is the year they really do have to deliver."

Chief executive Jamie Clifford claims the objective for the season will be promotion and Mr Kennedy lent his support to the suggestion.

He said: “The last two or three years we’ve been banging on about our youth policy and growing from within.

“I really believe this year they start to, and really do have to deliver, if not we might have to look at things again.

“These youngsters have all come through here. Sam Billings has been talked about openly as a potential batsman for England, never mind wicketkeeper, Adam Riley is tearing up the grass – we’ve got some good lads coming through.

“I’m genuinely encouraged this year we could make a decent breakthrough. I’d love to do it with a local side.”

Mr Clifford added: “Fourteen of our 23-man squad have come through our own cricket development programmes which is exciting.

“It has got to be encouraging as an indicator of future strength – it leaves us much stronger than many counties who have to go out and find players.”

Joe Denly and Matt Coles are the latest names on the list after returning after three years at Middlesex and 18 months at Hampshire respectively.

Mr Clifford added: “It’s a good indicator when players want to return to a club they have left.

“Firstly it shows they believe things have happened that they want to be a part of again and secondly it suggests the grass isn’t always greener elsewhere.”