Exclusive by Andrew Gidley

Robbie Joseph is vowing to hit the ground running this season and prove wrong those who have written him off.

The injury-hit Kent fast bowler, who turns 29 next week, is off to Australia shortly to spend a month working with former Australian Test star Bruce Reid and is determined to be ready for the season’s opening four-day game in April.

Joseph, who has undergone two operations on his right shoulder in less than a year, after being injured in a Twenty20 game against Surrey at The Oval in June 2009, admitted: "It’s been frustrating but I have been trying to stay as upbeat and positive as possible.

"Cricket is part of my life, not my life. Family and friends have been vital to me and everyone at the club has been supportive.

"Our physio Nimmo Reid has been with me through all the ups and downs and even sat in on my first operation.

"I am bowling pretty much pain free and getting no great aggravation, throwing always takes a bit longer.

"I’m taking things as slowly as possible. It isn’t a sprint, not a quick fix. I want to get everything right and put all this down to experience.

"I have put a lot of pressure on myself but I don’t think there has been a time when I wanted to give up."

Joseph made only one championship appearance last season against Hampshire in July, only to suffer another setback playing for the second team.

He added: "People have written me off but that doesn’t bother me. I know how hard I have been working and God willing, anything is possible because I’m back doing what I love doing."