Hampshire will decide on the fitness of Andre Adams and Jackson Bird in the next 48 hours ahead of the opening game of the season against Sussex.

The new seam duo bowled 14 overs between them in the two-day friendly against Kent, but Bird was restricted to a three-over spell on Wednesday and did not bowl at all yesterday because of a sore shoulder.

Adams took the wicket of Rob Key while bowling 11 overs as Kent made 376-9 in reply to Hampshire’s first-day 310.

It was his first bowl in match conditions for eight months, since when he has undergone knee surgery. But he could yet play against Sussex when the LV County Championship gets underway on Sunday.

Danny Briggs’ three wickets included that of former Hampshire teammate Matt Coles, who was bowled for 48 on his return to the Ageas Bowl.

Brad Wheal also impressed, bowling fast and accurately on his way to taking two wickets. The 18 year-old had Brendan Nash caught at second slip and Adam Riley pouched at first.

Behind the stumps, a Lewis McManus stumping provided Briggs with one of his wickets.

For Kent, Daniel Bell-Drummond (88) and Joe Denly (72) shared an opening stand of 152 before Sam Northeast’s unbeaten 104 ensured that the visitors enjoyed a full day’s batting.

Hampshire director of cricket Giles White said: “To get two days’ cricket was very important, we certainly got what we wanted out of it.

“Jackson has a slight niggle in his shoulder, but nothing serious. The fact he didn't bowl was purely precautionary.

It was pleasing to see Andre bowling. He bowled well first spell, looked the same bowler as he was. He hit the gloves hard and that bodes well. “We've got him for three months and we intend to make good use of him.”

Adams said: “It was my first bowl since August so I felt a little bit rusty. I had a [cortisone] jab in my elbow a week ago and my knee done in December so whether I play against Sussex will depend on the physio and that's the way it should be.

“I'll just have to see what the reaction is over the next 24/48 hours. We've also got to work out what sort of role I'm going to play here and that's something I'll discuss with the management.”