Matt Coles’ agent has insisted that “homesickness” is the reason for the all-rounder's return to Kent.

Hampshire issued a three-paragraph press release on Saturday morning to announce Coles’ departure.

It stated that he was leaving “by mutual agreement”, adding: “Matt has performed well for the Club in his short time at the Ageas Bowl but he has not settled as he, or we, would have liked. As a result, it has been agreed that he should develop his career elsewhere.

“Hampshire would like to thank him for his efforts and wish him well for the future. “

Director of cricket Giles White was unavailable for comment as Hampshire departed for their two-week tour of Barbados yesterday.

But Coles’ exit explains why Hampshire signed former Middlesex all-rounder Gareth Berg, who had been on the club’s radar since before Christmas, a fortnight ago.

The timing of his release, just five weeks before the start of the season, is a surprise.

It came soon after his return from a lengthy stint playing club cricket in Durban, South Africa.

But Coles’ agent insisted homesickness is the main reason the former England Lions star left midway through the three-year contract he signed after joining Hampshire on a month’s loan from Kent 18 months ago.

“Homesickness is the long and the short of it, Matt’s very tight with his family in Maidstone,” said John Bacon, of ASJ Management, before Coles' return to Kent was confirmed this morning.

“He’s disappointed he won’t have the chance to show the members and supporters what he can do in the first division and that he’s not seeing his contract through given the warm welcome he was given.

“But I’d like to thank Rod Bransgrove, Giles White, Dale Benkenstein and the other players for the encouragement and support they gave him during the short period he was there.

“Several counties have expressed an interest in signing him and he’s considering his options. He’s still a serious player and is at a stage in his career where he should be challenging for a place in the England team.”

Two years ago, 23 year-old Coles was sent home from an England Lions tour with Ben Stokes for "persistent late-night drinking".

Hampshire were given glimpses of his undoubted talent. Coles took 62 LV County Championship wickets at an impressive 26.9 apiece and hit Hampshire’s fastest T20 50 – from only 18 balls – against Essex, before disappointing as the county suffered a third semi-final defeat in two seasons at Finals Day.