THE early part of the season has proved extremely challenging and some niggling injuries coupled with the absence of Andrew Hall and Justin Kemp has left us with a weakened bowling attack and caused us some real problems.

Andrew’s situation has been a really frustrating one for him and us as it appears the South African selectors have kept him at home simply to be a drinks carrier.

He is such a valuable cricketer to us with high quality skills in all departments and his unavailability leaves a big hole in the Kent line-up, significantly affecting the strike power of our attack.

Fortunately, Justin arrived in time for our fixture at Lord’s and is another player who will contribute in all departments for us.

The absence of our two overseas all-rounders coupled with injury problems for Martin Saggers, Simon Cook, David Stiff, Robbie Joseph and Amjad Khan drastically affected the balance of our side for the first two games and those who have played have looked underdone in terms of preparation.

These problems have meant that Rob Key has had a testing start to his term as captain, but I feel he has handled some difficult times really well showing control and positive leadership. It is during tough times that a tough, yet understanding skipper is needed.

Rob is determined to get things right and I’m sure that when he receives the quality bowling ammunition he desires then our results will improve.

At least our batting showed some promise against Durham with Van Jaarsveld, Fulton, Stevens and Patel all looking good, but a big first innings total is essential on four-day cricket if a team is to apply pressure or absorb some from the opposition.

We got it right more often than not last season, but not this time around against Durham and I know our batsmen will look to put that right against Middlesex.