A 21-year-old left-arm seam bowler has signed for injury-hit Kent on an initial two-match loan.

Alfie Ogborne took eight wickets for Somerset in the Metro Bank One-Day Cup this year and claimed the wickets of James Vince, Ben Brown and Felix Organ on his First-Class debut last season.

As Kent desperately look to move away from the bottom of Division 1, Ogborne will be available against Worcestershire from tomorrow and fellow strugglers Warwickshire seven days later.

Director of cricket Simon Cook said: “With a number of our bowlers sidelined due to injury, we’re thrilled to have Alfie join us for these two crucial matches to offer us some bowling depth.

“His left-arm seam will provide a valuable variation in our attack for these two Vitality County Championship matches.”

Cook also gave a squad update ahead of their remaining 2024 fixtures while he confirmed Kent are trying to find a replacement for South African overseas all-rounder Beyers Swanepoel.

“With five matches left - three away and two at home - there is still everything to play for,” added Cook. “Our target is to reach 130 points, which would significantly enhance our chances of retaining our Division 1 status.

“We’re pleased to welcome Tawanda Muyeye and Daniel Bell-Drummond back to the squad following their time at The Hundred.

“Unfortunately, Zak Crawley (broken finger), Matt Quinn, Michael Cohen and Fred Klaassen (back) will be unavailable.

“Joe Denly (knee) is making progress in his recovery and we remain hopeful that he will be able to contribute during this campaign.

“Charlie Stobo suffered an injury (broken finger) during the Metro Bank One-Day Cup match against Durham and we will keep monitoring his injury to assess his return. He’s set to leave in mid-September to return to Western Australia for the start of his league season.

“In light of Beyers Swanepoel’s selection for South Africa A in their four-day series against Sri Lanka A, we are actively seeking a replacement.

“This process is complicated by the commencement of domestic seasons, NOC requirements, and associated travel and salary costs, but we’re exploring all potential options.

“We have two Kookaburra ball matches ahead and, as we’ve seen earlier this season, it was difficult to force a result with these conditions.

“However, with the drier weather, we anticipate that spin and reverse swing will play a more significant role.

“While we find ourselves in a position we wouldn’t have wanted to be in at this stage of the season, the commitment and determination from everyone in the squad to execute our planned strategy for the upcoming matches is clear."