It is common for individual athletes or sportspeople to not have social media accounts or to avoid them during significant competitions.

But it is rare, possibly unprecedented, for a whole club to suspend the opportunity for supporters to engage on social media.

“This short-term move aligns with our short-term strategy to allow players and staff to work and play with freedom and clarity,” said a Kent statement.

“We support each other as a whole club, in line with our core values of unity, respect and responsibility.”

Along with poor results on the field, Kent have also lost several key players in recent years.

Ollie Robinson left for Durham and fellow wicketkeeper Jordan Cox joined Essex. In the past winter, seamer Nathan Gilchrist went to Warwickshire and batter Jack Leaning made the short move to Sussex.

In their three Championship matches this season, Kent have been bowled out for less than 250 on four occasions. After the innings defeat at Worcestershire last week, Hollioake highlighted the batting as a source of concern.

Much attention falls on opener Zak Crawley, who seems destined to lose his England place after a poor Ashes in Australia. Crawley’s highest score in the Championship so far this season is 31.

Hollioake, 54, is a legendary figure at Surrey, the county he captained. He played four Tests for England and had a spell as one-day captain.

In 2002, Hollioake’s brother Ben, also an England all-rounder, died at the age of 24 in a car accident in Australia.

Adam Hollioake was a Surrey and England team-mate of Graham Thorpe, who took his own life in 2024 following a long struggle with mental health problems.

Hollioake was also close to former England batter Robin Smith, who battled alcoholism before his death late last year.

“Throughout my career in cricket as a player and a coach, I’ve had to deal with a lot, that’s no secret,” said Hollioake.

“I’ve seen in recent times two players and friends that I played alongside for England go down a bad path in terms of mental health and I’ve lost both of them.

“It’s part of my job and my duty of care to make sure we don’t see that again.”