Rob Key wasted no time this week getting down to work preparing for the new season.

With Christmas and New Year celebrations still fresh in the memory – it’s only three months before Kent’s first game – the skipper is already fully focused on the summer ahead.

While many parts of the county are covered by a blanket of snow, indoors at the the Kent Academy at the St Lawrence was a hive of activity with Key, Martin van Jaarsveld and Joe Denly all practising in the nets.

Key said: "There are not too many of the boys around at the moment but Paul Dixey, Matt Coles and Phil Edwards have been working with us, as well as the Academy youngsters and a few triallists who write always looking for their chance show what they can do

"I started before Christmas but the preparation really begins now.

"The squad, at least those of us in the country, will be in twice a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays from now on and it’s a chance to hone your skills and get ready for the summer."