New Kent head coach Adam Hollioake is open to working with more potential Australian overseas recruits in the future - but doesn’t expect any more to be signed to their ranks this summer.

Kent have brought plenty of players over to British soil from Down Under in recent years. Bowlers Xavier Bartlett and Wes Agar, as well as all-rounder Tom Rogers, were among those to play for them in 2024.

While Agar and Rogers are to make Kent comebacks this season, Melbourne-born Hollioake doesn’t expect any more Australians to follow suit in 2025, despite director of cricket Simon Cook having talked up the possibility of strengthening Kent’s relationship with Queensland following his arrival.

He said: “Obviously, I have a history in Australia where I’ve been coaching with Queensland for the past six or seven years so I’m very much aware of the players out there.

“Other than Wes and Tom, I don’t think we will be going with any other Australian players.

“But I’m very much aware of what they can do so, in the future, if the opportunity comes up, I’d love to work with them.”

Agar’s third county stint has been pushed back. He will now only arrive in late May and will stay until the end of July.

“I’m always looking forward to working with new players,” said Hollioake, with Kent revealing the additions of South African right-arm pace bowler Keith Dudgeon and Pakistan Test seam bowler Kashif Ali for the start of their red-ball season on Tuesday.

“I haven’t met Wes yet but, obviously, I saw his contributions in the Big Bash and also in the Sheffield Shield.”

Agar reached the Australian T20 Big Bash League final with Spitfires skipper Sam Billings, playing for Sydney Thunder, who were beaten by Hobart Hurricanes at the last hurdle in late January.

While Hollioake kept abreast of what Kent’s squad were doing in the close season, it’s now firmly down to business at Canterbury for them.

He said: “Tawanda (Muyeye) was in the BBL.

“A couple of the boys have been out in South Africa and a couple have been on the Gold Coast, and a couple stayed here, so they have been evenly spread throughout the world.

“It’s nice to have that variety in their preparation.

“But that’s also why we come back on March 10 to try and get everyone focused and used to English conditions by the time the first game starts.”

Of those who mainly stayed at home over the winter, a handful headed to Mumbai, India, in late February as they were handed a first chance to work with Hollioake.

“I was only there for four days - but it was good,” said Hollioake. “The players got out of it what they needed in terms of a run-around outdoors and playing some spin, and dealing with the environment.

“India always holds its challenges, spin being the main thing. But for some of the guys, it’s probably about getting outside and getting out of the indoor centre as much as anything.

“Then, there’s a bit of team building in terms of being away and it’s something that they can refer back on as part of their build-up to the season.

“It was a worthwhile trip.”

Kent’s two-day friendly against Essex at The Spitfire Ground concluded in a draw on Friday.

The home team had reached 69-1 by stumps in their second innings.

Teenager Jaydn Denly (56 not out) and captain Daniel Bell-Drummond (56) got half-centuries in their first-innings score of 237-8 declared.

All-rounder Grant Stewart (2-52) and young bowler Jas Singh (2-67) then got among the wickets as Essex scored 428-9 declared.

They will conclude pre-season with a three-day friendly with Loughborough UCCE from Sunday at the same venue.