Kent director of cricket Paul Farbrace admits it is unlikely that paceman David Balcombe will join the club on a permanent basis.

Balcombe’s 10-wicket match haul helped inspire Kent to a third straight LV= County Championship Division 2 win, over Essex, and he’s now taken 24 wickets at an average of just 18 in his loan spell from Hampshire.

Farbrace admitted: "David has been very impressive since he’s been here. I can’t think of too many spells, let alone innings, when he has not been right on the money.

"He’s done brilliantly for us and in the way he’s played, the character he is, he’s fitted in very well. He looks like he has been a Kent player for years.

"He has done really well for us, but to be honest I don’t really want to talk him up, I’d like it to stay a secret.

"He is a Hampshire player and has another year on his deal with them, but I know they are following him closely.

"We have asked if there is anything we can do to get him but Hampshire have said he’s part of their future plans.

"Unless something happens with Hampshire then it’s not going to happen."

Farbrace revealed: "We’ve been expecting him to be called back at any time so every game he plays, and every wicket he takes, for us is a bonus."

Caption: David Balcombe has been a revelation since signing on loan for Kent