Mark Davies says he is fully focused on earning the mantle of Kent’s premier bowler next season.

After being named player- of-the-year in his first season with the club in 2012 – which saw him claim 36 wickets at an average of 19 – the 33-year-old has endured a summer of frustration, being left out of the side for six of Kent’s 16 LV= County Championship Division 2 games.

Davies played the final four championship games, having played in just one of the seven from late May to early September, yet despite the limited opportunities, he claimed 25 championship wickets – fourth-best in the squad – at an average of 25.

He said: “I’ve said all along that picking the team is up to the coach and captain. All I can do is do my best to take the opportunities given to me and every time I’ve played, whether that is for the first-team or the seconds, I’ve done my best and hopefully people realise that.

“I’m top of the averages, the strike rate and the economy and I’m among the leading wicket takers, even though I’ve not played as much. All I can do is keep trying to do my best and get my name in the team.

“I have another year on my contract here so all I’m thinking about is having a break and coming back here and doing my best again for Kent next season.”

Despite a season of frustration, the former Durham man insisted: “It’s certainly not all doom and gloom here.

“There are a lot of positives to take, particularly from the way we finished the season.

“There have been some amazing games for a season which people say has been disappointing, to chase down 400 twice and almost do it again in a 40-over game.”

Kent have already added David Griffiths, Mitch Claydon, Charlie Hartley and Matt Hunn to their bowling ranks for next season and Davies said: “We need to be able to take 20 wickets to give ourselves the best chance of winning games and hopefully we’re showing intent to get that done.”