Jimmy Adams says the Kent dressing room has a buzz to it following the return of the players for the start of pre-season training.

Players converged on The Spitfire Ground, St Lawrence, from all corners of the globe after a winter away and were able to practice on the Canterbury outfield after extensive work by groundstaff to get the surface ready.

Among those in the nets was all-rounder Darren Stevens, cleared by a match-fixing probe in Bangladesh last month, while Rob Key took to the field as captain for the first time in nearly 18 months.

Head coach Adams said: “It’s the time of year everyone looks forward to. It’s good to be back.

“There is definitely a sense of positivity around the place. In addition to the news in the past couple of weeks about the finances, an overseas signing and having Darren Stevens back, we’ve put together a new support team as well. It’s an exciting time.

“The crucial bit is that we have the players – players with tremendous ability. There is a sense of anticipation and excitement – it’s good to feel that buzz going around.”

Adams remains confident Australian paceman Doug Bollinger, the overseas signing for the season, will be available for the opening LV= County Championship, Division 2 game at Worcester on April 13.

Bollinger has been called into the Aussie t20 squad for the ICC World t20 tournament in Bangladesh, which gets underway this week.

Adams said: “Doug will be here for the first game. We’re happy he’s got back into international cricket – it will be good for him. We are hoping he does well out there but my one message to him was ‘don’t get injured.’”

England spinner James Tredwell is also on duty in Bangladesh, taking 1-23 and 0-20 in two warm-up games against West Indies and India on Tuesday and Wednesday ahead of their first group game against New Zealand on Saturday (1.30pm).