Kent Spitfires will kick off their 2020 Vitality Blast campaign with a visit of Hampshire.

The competition, like the Bob Willis Trophy, will firstly be split into three regionalised groups. Kent’s group, the South Group, will consist of Essex, Hampshire, Middlesex, Surrey, Sussex and Kent themselves.

All teams will play each other twice in the group stage, before the quarterfinals at the start of October and Final’s Day at Edgbaston on October 3.

After hosting Hampshire, Kent will visit Middlesex before a home tie against Surrey.

Following a trip to Sussex, the ‘Battle of the Bridge’ will resume on September 5 when Kent take on Essex, and, after their second games against Sussex, Hampshire and Middlesex, they will face their rivals again on Friday September 18 before wrapping up their group campaign with a trip to Surrey.

Last year, Kent finished fifth in the South Group after losing five and drawing two of their last seven games.

The Spitfires looked nailed on to qualify for the quarterfinals after winning six of their first seven games, but a monumental collapse towards the back end of the tournament meant they missed out.  

They had a one game shootout in a winner takes all match against Essex in their final group game, but the Eagles won by 10 runs and went onto the quarterfinals, eventually winning the competition.

Upon the announcement of this year’s fixtures, Kent director of cricket Paul Downton told the club website: “We know our supporters have been waiting patiently to hear news about the start of this year’s Vitality Blast, so we’re pleased to now share our fixtures in this competition for 2020.

“Whilst we will not be able to draw on the fantastic atmosphere our fans generate at our home matches, we have already seen the tremendous support shown to the players in the Bob Willis Trophy via e-mail and social media.

“I know that the players are all looking forward to the start of the Vitality Blast, and will look to build on some strong performances already this Summer.”