Matt Coles is keeping his feet firmly on the ground after a sensational start to the season but says the "penny has dropped" after reaping the rewards of a more vigorous fitness programme.

Coles (pictured) followed up his maiden first-class hundred in Kent’s opening game of the season at Yorkshire with a match haul of 9-83, which included figures of 6-51 in the second innings, to help bowl the county to an innings and 120-run win against Northamptonshire last week.

The 21-year-old, who also turns out for The Mote Cricket Club in Maidstone, worked hard on his fitness over the winter while with the England Performance squad and the Lions and says the work and keeping on top of his fitness has proved instrumental in his good start.

Coles said: "It’s the best start to the season the team could want and for me it has been a brilliant start.

"There has been a lot of benefits with my winter in Loughborough and then playing overseas. I see it as a huge help towards keeping my body cricket-fit. I feel a lot stronger all-round.

"It’s about maintaining my strength and keeping on top of my body weight. During my days off, I am going to the gym and doing extra and hopefully will reap the rewards of doing that.

"The penny has dropped in terms of what I should be doing and how I should be managing myself."

Coles has combined with new signings Mark Davies and Charlie Shreck to form an impressive bowling unit and while he is pleased with his progress as he bids to become a legitimate all-rounder, he was quick to play down thoughts of international cricket.

He said: "I don’t want to get too far ahead of myself, I just want to keep things as simple as possible. It’s everybody’s dream to play for your country but at the moment, I need to earn it."