Head coach Matt Walker says Kent need to quickly learn how to deal with the tough early season conditions.

Kent face the long trip to Durham for their second Specsavers County Championship, a side who have been tipped by many as early favourites to get promoted from Division 2.

Walker’s team suffered a disappointing defeat at home to Gloucestershire in their opening game and were bowled out for 64 in their first innings.

He said: “The lesson we have to learn pretty quickly is how to deal with the swinging ball and how to deal with tough conditions. It’s something we talked about a lot last year.

“We have to get grittier and tougher and find a way to score ugly runs. It’s not always easy at the crease playing your A game in these situations.

“If you look at scores around the country and you see we are not on our own. Sides are getting bowled out for low scores and it won’t be the last time it happens. We can’t just accept that. We need to make sure we find our way through these tricky periods and the best sides do that.”

Walker is expecting a tough challenge at Durham who are recovering from relegation in 2016 and their 48 point deduction last season.

It will be their first competitive game of the season and, like Kent, have struggled with pre-season preparation.

He said: “Durham will be one of many counties that will have been hit the hardest during the winter. They are used to that and it’s not unusual for them and they probably deal with it better than most.

“They are always a dangerous side and they’ve had well publicised issues over the last couple of years with their relegation and financial problems and people leaving.

“They’ve gone through some turmoil but they always produce good cricketers as they showed last year they will be strong.

“They will be dangerous and we have to respond in the way I expect them to respond and make sure we have a plan with what we are going to face, especially with the bat, and keep positive to get that first win.”

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Kent will be without Grant Stewart for their match at Durham after he injured his hamstring bowling on day three in their defeat to Gloucestershire.

Walker added: “It was frustrating for him, he feels very upset about the whole situation. He’s worked hard in pre-season to get in the team. It’s unfortunate but hopefully in two or three weeks he will be back.”