Ashley Shaw says his three-wicket performance as Kent beat Middlesex at Lord’s was a timely confidence boost for him and his team-mates.

The 20-year-old left-arm seamer had surgery for shin splints in the close season and was not expected to feature for the team this early, only to be pressed into action in his first two Clydesdale Bank 40 games over the Bank Holiday weekend due to injuries to Matt Coles, Dewald Nel, Simon Cook and Robbie Joseph.

Shaw recovered from going for 32 from his three overs as Kent went down to Worcestershire by six wickets with three balls remaining at Canterbury by finishing with 3-26 off seven overs as Kent bounced back with victory at Lord’s against Middlesex.

Shaw said: "It’s been quite slow coming back from the injury. You can’t put a time on the recovery.

"There’s not much you can do except rest it but it’s been all right. I’ve done a lot of work with physio Nimmo Reid who’s been great."

He added: "I was glad to be back out there in the middle.

"I was a bit rusty. The first game I had to settle in and my areas were not so good. It’s difficult and I went for a few runs but you have to keep going.

"The second game was good for confidence. It was good to take some wickets and I’m glad it helped us win the game."