KENT went into their 161st Canterbury Festival Week match with Essex today without the spearhead of their bowling attack Mohammad Sami.

After just five games in a Kent shirt the 22-year-old from Karachi has been forced to fly home with ligament and slight bone damage to his left ankle, an injury he picked up while taking spectacular match figures of 15 for 115 against Nottinghamshire to inspire Kent’s three-day win.

Commenting on this, the latest blow of an injury riddled season, skipper David Fulton said: "It is very sad for everyone at Kent that Mohammad cannot continue to play for us.

"He is a very talented cricketer and, in his short time with us, has made a huge contribution. He has a lot of cricket ahead of him and it is important for him to get home and regain his fitness.

"We are fortunate to have Muttiah Muralitharan with us and, when Andrew Symonds returns, he will take Sami’s place as our second overseas player ahead of schedule on 11 August against Worcester."

Under the terms of his contract Sami will only be paid for his appearances, but Kent chief executive says his loss is still a blow for the club.

"The terms of his contract mean the club won’t be financially worse off, but we do feel for Mohammad because he is deeply upset by the injury and was desperate to play for us," said Mr Millman.

"We have been in constant touch with Amir Sohail, the chairman of the Pakistan selectors, throughout the injury and have taken their views and wishes into consideration.

"Sami is their prime property, a young fast bowler making his way in the game, and must take the long term view. It wouldn’t be right for us to meddle or risk the fitness of their player."