Hearne made his debut for Kent in 1884 as a leg-break bowler. He headed the County's bowling averages, taking 41 wickets in a generally dry summer, and playing a crucial role Kent's defeat of the touring Australian side with match figures of seven wickets for 66 runs. He enjoyed a good record against Australian touring sides, with Kent winning five of the seven tour matches played against Australia between 1884 and 1899, and critics were surprised he was not chosen to play for England against Australia at some point during his career.