Both Rob Key and Brendan Nash return from injury as Kent take on Hampshire as part of Canterbury Week in the County Championship starting on Friday.

The duo are a welcome addition to Kent’s twelve man squad with Doug Bollinger also recalled to the side after missing the last Championship game against Surrey.

At this stage Worcestershire are 43 points clear at the top of the standing, having played 12 matches and accumulated 205 points.

Kent’s last match victims Surrey are second, 162 points from 13, Hampshire have slipped to third with 160 points from 12, Essex fourth, 142 from 12 and Kent lie fifth, with games in hand, having only played 11, with 139 points.

They are well within striking distance of second place, without having to rely on other results, should they continue the form that has produced three outright wins in their last three matches.

Head Coach Jimmy Adams is well aware of the situation stating that, “It is great to be in contention in two competitions and to have the outcome in our hands.”

“We have to make a quick transition from 50 over cricket to the four day form, but these changes have been a feature of this year’s competitions, with all Counties facing the same challenges.”
Kent squad: Rob Key (c), Daniel Bell-Drummond, Sam Billings (w), Doug Bollinger, Fabian Cowdrey, Mitch Claydon, Calum Haggett, Ben Harmison, Brendan Nash, Sam Northeast, Adam Riley, Darren Stevens.

All-rounder Chris Wood looks set to make his first Championship appearance of the season after being named in Hampshire’s 12-man squad. Other than the injury to David Balcombe, Jimmy Adams’ side are at full strength for the crucial match. Fast-bowler Basil Akram is also named in the Hampshire squad.

Hampshire squad: Will Smith, Jimmy Adams, Sean Ervine, Liam Dawson, James Vince, Michael Carberry, Danny Briggs, James Tomlinson, Chris Wood, Matt Coles, Adam Wheater, Basil Akram.