Kent have handed fast-bowler Robbie Joseph a return to the club at the age of 32.

Joseph has impressed head coach Jimmy Adams during pre-season, taking wickets in warm-up games against Durham and Essex last week before adding 2-56 from 19 overs in the First Class curtain-raiser against Loughborough MCCU at Canterbury on Tuesday.

The Antigua-born right-armer made his debut for the county at the end of the 2005 season and remained at the club until the end of the 2011 season.

He signed a deal with Leicestershire in 2012 but has not played a First Class game since August 2012.

The former England Lions bowler took 144 FC wickets during his time with Kent at an average of 31.25 and a further 47 wickets in limited overs cricket.

Head coach Jimmy Adams explained last week: “Robbie is a known quality here and basically is desperate for an opportunity in the game. He’s turned up with a really good attitude, bowled well and we’re keen to see where this relationship can go.

“A Robbie Joseph bowling well will get wickets, it’s as simple as that. I think it’s a win-win situation. On one hand you have a young man who’s desperate to play professional cricket and on other hand have a club that will always be looking for potential match-winning talent.”

Mark Davies (shoulder) and Calum Haggett (side) will miss the LV= County Championship Division 2 season opener at Worcester, which starts on Sunday, though Joseph and overseas arrival Doug Bollinger are in contention to start.