Kent have defended their decision to sign overseas paceman Stuart Clark.

England cricket chiefs this week blasted the decision to give the Australian a chance of vital match practice ahead of this summer’s Ashes series.

ECB managing director Hugh Morris, chief selector Geoff Miller and former England captain Alec Stewart have all weighed in to criticise signing the 33-year-old New South Wales bowler for a six-week stint, beginning next month. It was also reported that ECB chairman Giles Clarke will contact Kent this weekend to discuss the situation.

But Kent chief executive Paul Millman retorted: “We are not alone (in having an Australian) and are very happy to sign Clark.

“We have had no conversation with the ECB about the matter and, if it is an issue with the England cricket management, they should address the matter and speak to counties about recruitment strategy.

“It’s quite late in the day and after the horse has bolted. We need to win matches and want to win promotion back to Division 1 – Clark gives us the chance of doing that. We also don’t know what Amjad Khan’s availability will be this summer.”

Millman’s comments follow high-profile articles from Morris, Miller and Stewart in the national media. Morris claimed the decision has been “met with dismay in the game” and Stewart described it as “one-eyed and selfish”.

Miller added: “I want England and the counties to work as closely as possible, and this does not make the relationship closer. I understand why (they) have done this, but it is disappointing.”

However, Millman’s stance is backed up by the fact that Kent are one of eight first-class counties to employ Australians for at least part of the summer, although they may have been singled out as Clark is seen as a key member of the Australian pace attack.

Clark (left) and Philip Hughes of Middlesex are the only players likely to face England when the Test series begins in Cardiff on July 8. Other Australians playing in county cricket this summer will be Chris Rogers (Derbyshire), Twenty20 recruit David Warner (Durham), Mark Cosgrove (Glamorgan), Marcus North (Hampshire), Adam Voges (Nottinghamshire) and Ashley Noffke (Worcestershire).

Clark, who missed the recent tour to South Africa after recovering from elbow surgery, took 26 wickets at 17 apiece when the Aussies whitewashed England two years ago, and has plenty of experience playing in England after spells with Middlesex and Hampshire.

He has played 22 Tests and 36 one-day internationals since making his debut in 2006.