Kent starlet Fabian Cowdrey admitted he was frustrated not to make his mark on the championship side this summer but hopes to become a mainstay of the four-day team in 2014.

The 20-year-old – who flies to Australia next week for four months playing Grade cricket on the Sunshine Coast – broke into the Kent short-form sides this summer, but despite some big scores for the 2nd XI, including a double century, is awaiting his maiden championship start.

He said: “My chances only came in one-day cricket this year, which it could be argued was a little bit frustrating as lots of my biggest scores came in championship cricket in the 2nd XI.

“But nailing down a one-day spot was the opportunity I was given and I was happy I got some scores.”

Cowdrey admitted ‘it seems the pathway’ for young players into the four-day side at Kent is via limited-overs cricket, but added: “I think in my case the spot opened in one-day cricket and not in the championship.

“People started getting runs in the middle-to-end of championship cricket which was keeping me out of the side.

“I’m very grateful for the opportunity given to me and hopefully next year I’ll get some goes in the longer form.

“I’ve been made aware it’s a level playing field when we come back for pre-season.

“It’s a good place to be when there’s lots of competition for places.”

Cowdrey admitted: “I’m pleased I’ll be coming in off the back of four months of hard cricket in Australia. I’m sure I’ll learn a lot about myself.

“I want to come back more mentally tough and able to bat longer periods of time – they are the main things – but also to come back with an improvement in my bowling as well.

“I want to add strings to my bow and come back next year fighting for a place in the four-day side to start the season.

“Everyone wants a spot, wherever it is in the order. I want to be as high as possible, if that’s six then that’s fine.

“Hopefully when I come back I’ll be in a good place to contend for a spot in all three sides.”