Wicket-keeper Adam Rouse is hoping to give the Kent coaches a selection headache when the 2016 County Championship kicks off on Sunday.

Rouse, 23, signed a two-year deal with Kent in January, having had a trial spell with the club early last season.

With Kent’s County Championship Division Two campaign beginning away at Worcestershire, starting on Sunday, the Zimbabwe-born keeper is expected to step in as deputy for Kent’s usual first-choice glove-man Sam Billings, who is currently away in India, featuring for the Delhi Daredevils in the IPL.

Rouse, however, is keen not to simply be seen as a stop-gap prior in Billings’ absence, and is keen to give the Kent management a difficult decision to make when the England international does return to Canterbury.

“With Sam being away, I’ve got quite a nice little opportunity to get some games under my belt, hopefully get some runs and put my name out there, so that when he comes back, it’s a difficult decision for the coaches, rather than just an ‘in and out’”, Rouse told KSN.

Billings will be hoping to feature regularly for England in limited overs cricket over the coming summer, leaving Rouse hungry to make the most of any chance he gets in the Kent first team.

“The opportunity is there. For me, I’m still learning my game, still learning everything, so it’s not going to be the end of the world if I don’t go as well as I hope.

“It’s a great experience and a great opportunity to get some games under my belt and get that experience which will hopefully benefit me in the long run.”

Despite only managing a solitary run in Kent’s draw with Loughborough MCCU earlier this week, Rouse is feeling in good touch going into the season.

“I’ve been gloving them nicely, the ball’s going in nicely and I’ve had a couple of nice takes with a couple of wickets against Essex and Hampshire”, he said.

“I guess it’s just time in the middle and getting out there. I’m feeling quite good with the bat, and I’m looking forward to getting stuck in.”