Returning Australian bowling all-rounder Tom Rogers cannot wait to work under new Kent Spitfires head coach Adam Hollioake this summer.

Rogers, who made six appearances for Spitfires during the second half of last year’s T20 Blast competition, has agreed to rejoin Kent for the 2025 T20 Blast campaign.

The 30-year-old made a positive impact last term despite Spitfires finishing bottom of the South group, striking an unbeaten 31 from just 12 balls in a 13-run defeat against Glamorgan in Canterbury and even joked he would play for Kent again for free after that game.

Director of cricket Simon Cook told KentOnline Rogers would be making a comeback before Christmas - and Kent confirmed Rogers will play during the Blast group stages for them in 2025 on Friday.

Rogers returns under a new man at the helm, with Australian-based former England all-rounder Hollioake confirmed as departing Kent head coach Matt Walker's successor last month.

“My time in Canterbury was short but sweet last summer so I’m raring to go again and meet up with the boys later on this year to get started in a full run of the Vitality Blast,” said Rogers.

“I’m excited to work with Adam Hollioake and put on that Spitfires shirt again in front of packed-out crowds.”

Capable of big lower-order hitting, left-hander Rogers averaged 23.50 for Kent Spitfires in 2024 with a batting strike rate of 188.00.

He has 71 career T20 wickets to date at 24.98 and a strike rate of 17.90.

Rogers is presently playing for the Melbourne Renegades in the KFC Big Bash T20 League and will make his Spitfires return alongside fellow Australian Wes Agar, whose all-format deal comeback will see the fast bowler be available from April until the end of July.

Cook said: “During his short spell with us last year, Tom showed that he’s a great contributor with, not only the ball, but with some quick runs in our lower order and some outstanding contributions in the field, too.

“We’re excited to see him working in tandem with Wes Agar as our overseas line-up in T20 cricket this coming summer.”

Spitfires start their 2025 T20 Blast campaign in Bristol on Friday, May 30, as they take on Gloucestershire.