Kent will be looking to extend their unbeaten run when they play Essex in the County Championship at Chelmsford this week.

Jimmy Adams has named a twelve man squad for the game that begins on Wednesday with Matt Coles missing as he will be on England Lions duty at Northampton as they face the West Indies.

Coles’ place in the line up will go to either Ivan Thomas or Fabian Cowdrey with both yet to make their Championship debut for the club having come through the Academy Scholar programme.

Scott Newman, Mike Powell, Ben Harmison and Charlie Shreck are expected to come back into the side having missed out on selection for Sunday’s CB40 win at Yorkshire.

Kent have had a great start to the season and remain unbeaten in their four games thus far, being denied more than just their one win by the weather on at least two occasions.

Head Coach Jimmy Adams believes this week’s game could be a tough one for Kent, but insists they could come back home with a win if they apply themselves:

“We’ve had a decent start to the season and Essex is never an easy place to go and get a result as they’ve got some decent players, however we have shown that we can be a match for anyone on our day.”

“We will have to ensure we do the basics right, like we have done in our first four matches, by building an innings, whilst being disciplined in the field.”

“If we do these things, there is no reason why we can’t pick up another good result away from home.”

Essex should include England players Alastair Cook and Ravi Bopara for the four day game with captain James Foster admitting Kent could be a tough test for his side:

“Conditions have been very tough particularly for us as a batting unit and the match with Kent will be another challenging game.”

“Kent have performed very well so far, they’ve re-shaped their side and got players in form and are looking good. They are always a well-drilled unit and we often have quite a battle when we play them.”

Kent’s 12 man squad to face Essex in the County Championship beginning on Wednesday: Rob Key, Scott Newman, Ben Harmison, Brendan Nash, Mike Powell, Darren Stevens, Geraint Jones, James Tredwell, Mark Davies, Ivan Thomas, Charlie Shreck, Fabian Cowdrey.

Essex squad to face Kent: James Foster, Alastair Cook, Alviro Peterson, Billy Godleman, Mark Pettini, Tom Westley, Ravi Bopara, Adam Wheater, Grag Smith, David Masters, Charl Willoughby, Tymal Mills.