THE St Lawrence faithful burst into spontaneous applause, the clapping was sustained and the acclaim clearly heart-felt.

Such a warm reception might have been afforded to a Test hero like Andrew Flintoff, yet this one wasn’t. The man being welcomed back was former England swing bowler Martin Saggers.

Marking out his run up for the first time in a championship match in Canterbury for just over 10 months, Saggers was clearly delighted with his return to centre stage and Kent’s supporters were equally pleased to see him back.

He said: "It’s been frustrating, a bit of a nightmare, and in some ways it has reminded me of my first season with Kent.

"I took 13 wickets in my first two games and then went down with a stress fracture.

"This heel injury has possibly been the most frustrating because at this stage of my career I understand what I have to lose."

Saggers understands that, despite taking 309 wickets in his previous 79 first-class games for Kent, he will not be able to rest on his if he is to win a new contract for 2007.

He added: "The club have been brilliant and told me there was no point in rushing back, but these are a critical few months for me.

"My contract runs out at the end of the season, so if I do get an opportunity then it is crucial I prove myself.

"Although I’m 34, I still feel I have a lot to offer the game and to Kent and in no way have I thought of giving it all up."