Kent head coach Jimmy Adams has backed under-pressure batsman Ben Harmison to come good after experiencing a tough start to his career at St Lawrence.

With a top score of 46 for his new county since signing from Durham during the winter, Harmison, pictured, finds his place under threat with the likes of Sam Billings, Daniel Bell-Drummond, Alex Blake and Adam Ball waiting in the wings.

Predominantly used in the LV= County Championship, Harmison’s record of three scores in the 40s from his 10 innings, at an average of 26, tells its own story, but Adams has voiced his support for the left-hander.

He said: "The main concern is that he needs to convert. He is getting starts pretty regularly, so the challenge for him now is making use of those starts. Hopefully that is something we can improve on as the season continues.

"I don’t get involved in what supporters think or say. At the end of the day, this is down to the interests of the team but, at the same time, players know what is expected of them and we try to give them as much support as we can."