Matt Walker admits Kent will be ‘up against it’ as they try to get back to winning ways in the Championship.

A draw at Leicester on Monday brought their Division 2 winning streak to a halt but they remain firmly in the promotion race ahead of the visit of Sussex on Friday to Tunbridge Wells for the 186th First Class match in the town.

The Nevill Ground has proven an unlikely venue for results, with matches in four of the past five years ending in draws.

Wickets have also been at a premium with more than 1,100 runs scored but just 25 wickets taken in last year’s drawn match and 1,059 the previous summer with 28 wickets falling against Essex when Kent posted a record 633-8.

Head coach Walker said: “Tunbridge Wells is always a difficult place to win.

“It’s been tough in recent years to get a result. It’s hard for the bowlers to get something out of the wicket. You’re up against it a little bit.

“Winning the game is the most important thing. It’s a lovely ground, everyone likes playing there, it’s beautiful, there is a real festival feel to it and the opposition like coming there.

“Last year we probably had a moral victory against Sussex, had the best of the draw, but just couldn’t get over the line. We’ve got to make sure we hit them hard from day one this week.”

Kent did win by 226 runs at Hove in April as part of their perfect start to their promotion push and Walker added: “We had a great win there. Not many people expected that outside of our group.

“We outplayed them across the board for four days but they have found a bit of form and have Vernon Philander back.”

In-form all-rounder Darren Stevens – who has 656 competitive runs and 30 wickets so far this summer after his ton at Leicester – said: “We’ve asked for a bit more grass on the wicket so there’s a bit more pace there than has sometimes been the case.”

Walker added: “Hopefully, we’ll have something which suits everybody.

“It’s difficult, club grounds don’t have the attention and facilities to produce proper First Class wickets but as long as there is a bit in it for everybody then we’ll be happy,”