Kent coach Jimmy Adams admitted to excitement as Kent’s 2014 season officially got underway on Monday with the start of pre-season.

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 on Monday morning after extensive work by groundstaff.

Adams revealed that outdoor cricket had been in doubt at the start of March due to the record-breaking wet winter, however the first-team squad and academy players were able to take to the field, including returning skipper Rob Key all-rounder Darren Stevens, exonerated by a match-fixing probe in Bangladesh last month.

Adams said: “Two weeks ago it wasn’t looking too good so credit to everyone here for their hard work that means we’re batting and bowling outside.”

The former West Indies skipper, beginning his third season at the helm, added: “It’s good to be back, and with the sun shining too.

"There is definitely a sense of positivity around the place. In addition to the finances, an overseas signing and having Darren back, we’ve put together a new support team aswell and it’s an exciting time.”

Adams also revealed he was confident spinner James Tredwell and Australian paceman Doug Bollinger, the overseas signing for the season, would 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: “They’ll be back when they’re back, but I’m sure they’ll be here in plenty of time to start the season.”