Kent have named a 13-man squad for the opening Specsavers County Championship match against Worcestershire at New Road beginning on Sunday.

Joe Denly has been passed fit after a side strain, although there is no place in the squad for former skipper Rob Key who returned from India on Monday.

Overseas signing Tom Latham is yet to join up with the squad, whilst wicketkeeper batsman Sam Billings is featuring in the Indian Premier League.

Their absence should see Sean Dickson bat in the top three, whilst there is a chance for Alex Blake to impress in the Kent middle order.

Calum Haggett, Matt Coles, Mitch Claydon, Ivan Thomas and Hugh Bernard will fight it out for three seamer spots, with Adam Riley to be Kent’s main spin option.

Skipper Sam Northeast will make history and have the option of bowling first without a mandatory coin toss and he’s in favour of the new move:

“It’s an idea to produce better cricket wickets and bring spinners into the game.”

“With only one promotion place this year, we may see more result pitches again to try and those fighting for promotion.”

“We want to be in contention in all competitions and we are hungry for success. We’ve been earmarked as a one-day side but I think we can go well in the Specsavers County Championship if we get off to a good start.”

Meanwhile, Worcestershire head coach Steve Rhodes is also in favour of the new way of doing things:

“If the new rule means that people prepare better wickets, then it is a winner.”

“The only slight downside is maybe that first month in April can be too much of an advantage to the away team. A side that doesn’t play at home much in the first month of the season might be at an advantage.”

“If it is a success, than we either keep it the same or actually suggest a rule that it happens from May onwards instead.”

Worcestershire welcome Kent to New Road with a strong-looking 12-man squad, having been relegated from Division One of the County Championship last season. Their squad features overseas signing Matt Henry; the New Zealand seamer set to make his debut in this game.

 

Worcestershire squad: Mitchell (c), D’Oliveira, Clarke, Kervezee, Kohler-Cadmore, Whiteley, Cox, Leach, Barnard, Henry, Shantry, Morris

Kent squad: Northeast (c), Bell-Drummond, Denly, Dickson, Stevens, Blake, Rouse (wk), Haggett, Coles, Claydon, Riley, Thomas, Bernard