Kent head coach Matt Walker spent Tuesday at The Oval helping Joe Root’s England squad prepare for the third Investec Test against South Africa.

The 43-year-old was used by the national team in a similar role during the home Test series against Sri Lanka last summer and has also previously worked with England Lions in Potchefstroom, South Africa.

Walker says he continues to be flattered to be involved with the national squad and that it’s an opportunity to broaden his knowledge of coaching methods and practices.

He said: “I did one last year before the Sri Lanka Test at Lord’s. It’s something they do, they invite guest coaches to come in and help out and be part of it.

“As always I’m flattered to be asked and it’s great for me to work in that ECB environment with great coaches and players.

“For me as a young coach to get out and work with a different group of players, feed off some new ideas and learn about fields I’m not particularly knowledgeable about like fast bowling and that side of things it’s a great learning experience for me.

“There’s no itinerary as such, it’s about throwing to the batters, a bit of fielding practice and anything else they need.

“It’s generally very relaxed up there working with batters, speaking to batters, whatever comes our way.

“They’re England players, they know their games inside out so you’re not probably going to be offering a lot of guidance.

“You’re there just to support really, to be another pair of hands on deck but it’s a great experience.”