Matt Coles could return for Kent’s Championship game at Northamptonshire starting on Thursday.

The 20-year-old (pictured) missed the opening Division 2 victory against Essex with a knee injury and director of cricket Paul Farbrace says "he has a chance."

Farbrace said: "Matt bowled in the nets on Monday and took part in a fitness training session the following day with the rest of the boys who didn’t play against Essex.

"I don’t think the side will be too different to the one who played at Chelmsford but he has got a chance."

Northamptonshire, who began with a draw against Surrey at The Kia Oval on Monday, will be skippered by former Kent all-rounder Andrew Hall, with Irish wicketkeeper Niall O’Brien also lining up against his former county.

The East Midlands side have recruited Sri Lankan Chaminda Vaas as their overseas player for the opening half of the summer.

Farbrace added: "The win against Essex has given everyone a boost and was a nice way to cap a good pre-season. It has boosted everybody’s confidence and was a good way to start but we know we can get better."

Non-contract seam bowler Neil Saker is also named in the Kent squad, having been signed as cover for the first half of the season.

Kent: Rob Key, Alex Blake, Matt Coles, Simon Cook, Joe Denly, Geraint Jones, Robbie Joseph, Sam Northeast, Neil Saker, Darren Stevens, James Tredwell, Martin Van Jaarsveld.