Kent all-rounder Adam Ball admits his arrival in the Championship side has come sooner than expected but he’s hoping his form with the bat will keep him there.

The 21-year-old finished last season with back-to-back Championship appearances – his first since 2011 – and recorded his highest first class score to date with 69 against Lancashire in the season finale.

He was on the sidelines again for the opening two games of the LV= County Championship season but a superb 121, batting at No.8, helped a joint Kent/Essex 2nds side beat Durham by six wickets in their last game and he was promoted to the firsts in place of Robbie Joseph for this week’s visit of Surrey.

Ball said: “It’s great to be back. My plan late last year was to go for it and try to get into the four-day team as soon as I can.

“I wasn’t expecting it to happen as early as this but I had a good run out in the 2nds and did well. I think that brought me into the team a bit quicker than I normally would have been.

“I got a call on the Thursday from (coach) Jimmy Adams saying I would be in the 12 but when I got the nod on Sunday morning, I was not expecting it. You just hope for the best and prepare the best you can as if you are going to be playing.”

Left-arm quick Ball acknowledged it was more his form with the bat that led to his call-up.

He added: “It was one of the main reasons I was brought in – to make sure the tail wasn’t as long.

“There’s a challenge for places and when we can get a full attack fit and raring to go, then you can rotate bowlers.

“I think it’s a case that if you get in and you do alright, you stay in. There’s always pressure and once you’re in a spot, you’ve got to perform to keep that spot.”

Ball's hopes of being involved for a second straight game at Derbyshire from Sunday are in doubt as he has a University exam scheduled for Monday.