Kent sign Toby Albert and Ben Geddes, both 21, on loan from Hampshire and Surrey to bolster injury-hit squad for County Championship away match against Nottinghamshire

Kent have signed two young batsmen on short-term loans to bolster their depleted squad ahead of their latest County Championship clash.

Toby Albert and Ben Geddes, both 21 and from Hampshire and Surrey respectively, link up with Matt Walker’s squad as they face Nottinghamshire at Trent Bridge in Division 1 from tomorrow in their last four-day fixture before Spitfires’ One-Day Cup defence begins.

Albert is a product of Hampshire’s youth system and has featured predominantly in white-ball cricket for the Hawks, although averages 72.40 in the Second XI Championship this year, which includes a mammoth 231 against Kent 2nds at Polo Farm.

Right-hander Geddes also has a three-figure score in the Second XI Championship in 2023 and boasts a first-class batting average of 42.71, with two first-class centuries in five matches so far.

As third-bottom Kent lost to Essex at Chelmsford last time out, Joe Denly battled on, despite suffering from back spasms, while wicketkeeper Jordan Cox (calf) needed a runner in their second innings. Both are not fit to play Nottinghamshire.

Marcus O’Riordan also failed a fitness test on Monday morning due to his shoulder injury. He has been replaced by Alex Blake, with the terms of the left-hander’s white-ball deal renegotiated so he can feature.

Kent director of cricket Paul Downton said: “Due to a number of injuries to frontline batters, we’re pleased to have secured the services of two talented young players ahead of a crucial Championship match this week.

“Both Toby and Ben are looking forward to the opportunity and are both hungry to do well.

“We look forward to welcoming them into our squad.”

Margate-born Cox, out of contract at the end of the season, is being linked with a move away from Kent.