Kent look set to persevere in pushing youngster Matt Coles up the order following his success in the two-wicket Clydesdale Bank 40 win over Yorkshire at Headingley.

The Spitfires host Sussex Sharks on Sunday with Coles, pictured, in form after smashing 47 off 45 balls in the one-day victory and director of cricket Paul Farbrace said: "There is every chance we will do it again and it won’t just be a one-off.

"I don’t think Matt realises just how talented a cricketer he could become and he has got the ability to become a genuine all-rounder, batting at six or seven."

The 20-year-old seamer, who recently recovered from a jarred knee, faced Loughborough this week with Farbrace vowing not to overbowl him ahead of a bigger workload.

There was mixed news elsewhere on the injury front. Robbie Joseph tested his fitness against the students, following a quad muscle problem, while Ashley Shaw was also included. Dewald Nel, however, struggled in the nets on Tuesday, so Neil Saker was called up.

Joe Denly, who had targeted the Loughborough game for a possible return after breaking his thumb, missed out, as did Simon Cook, who is nursing the same problem. Farbrace estimates they will be out for another 10 days to a fortnight.