by Andrew Gidley

Kent coach Jimmy Adams will decide whether to take Matt Coles out of the Friends Life t20 firing line this week.

The 22-year-old England Lions seamer has suffered a torrid time so far with 4-192 in his 16 overs at 12 apiece.

He bowled just one over during the 83-run thrashing at Sussex on Friday night, going for 20 runs as the Sharks got off to a flying start while his previous outing against Middlesex saw the paceman concede 33 runs in just two overs.

Despite the punishment, and whatever decision is taken this week, Adams is sure Coles (pictured) will benefit from the experience.

"Matt has had a decent season so far (scoring his maiden first-class century and taking 30 championship wickets), but he is still a work in progress," said Adams.

"It is all about learning to be consistent at this level, and not many players stamp their authority on all versions of the game at his age."

Three successive defeats have dented Kent Spitfires' hopes of progressing to the knockout stages again this season. In-form Hampshire Royals' rain-affected win over the Surrey Lions at The Oval on Monday has made them hot favourites to join unbeaten Sussex at the top of the South Group.

Spitfires finish their programme with three games in four days beginning with a trip to The Oval on Thursday, 7pm, followed with a home game against Essex Eagles on Friday (7pm), before facing Middlesex Panthers (2.30pm) at Uxbridge on Sunday.

Adams added: "The boys were back in on Tuesday after a few days off, and we will be reflecting on what happened last week.

"It was not want we wanted, conceding more than 400 runs in 40 overs (against Sussex and Middlesex), and totals of that magnitude will always put you under pressure."

Do you think Coles needs a break from t20 action? Have your say below.