Joe Denly's return to action with Kent endured a gruelling start as he suffered an injury during Tuesday's Royal London One-Day Cup defeat to Gloucestershire.

The Englishman was making his first appearance since returning from his time with Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League.

Having injured himself on his way to 56 from 69 balls as his side's second highest scorer, Denly was confined to a spectator role when Kent took to the field.

Kent assistant-coach Allan Donald said: "Joe Denly suffered a back spasm while batting that we need to manage and it just adds to the most vicious injury cycle I have ever known. When you see Sean Dickson and Zak Crawley bowling in a game it shows the lengths to which we are suffering.

"The players are hurting, but there is nothing we can do but stay together, be patient and see this period through. I hope there is some reward at the end of it and we can come out winning something at the end of the season.

"Then we might be able to look back on our start and smile. But at the moment, with so many players missing, it is very tough to take."

Gareth Roderick hit an unbeaten century as Gloucestershire claimed a six-wicket victory to inflict Kent's fourth successive defeat in the One-Day Cup.

Matt Walker's side, who were beaten by Hampshire in last year's final, remain bottom of the South Group as they gear up to face Glamorgan on Thursday.

Quotes courtesy of the ECB Reporters Network

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