Kent captain James Tredwell is backing the side to do big things as they get their County Championship season underway today.

A 12 man squad will head to Grace Road as Kent take on Leicestershire for the season opener and there is a sense of optimism around the Kent squad.

Tredwell took over the captaincy after Rob Key stood down after seven years in charge and his main priority is to guide the side back to the First Division of the County Championship.

With just Calum Haggett added to last year’s squad, fans can expect to see a very familiar side take to the field for the upcoming games with Haggett included in the 12 man squad for the game in Leicester.

Batsman Daniel Bell-Drummond has been left out of the squad despite scoring a century in the first class game against Cardiff MCCU next week, but Tredwell is full of praise for the nineteen year old:

“There’s no doubt that he’s got a bright future in the game and it’s encouraging to see him scoring big runs for the side.”

“He’ll have a good career if he carries on playing that way and we’ve spoken about what role he has in the side.”

As the side look to get their season off to the perfect start at Grace Road, Tredwell feels the side are well equipped to secure promotion:

“We’ve got a settled side and everyone knows their roles now. Not much has changed from last year and I don’t plan to do things that differently to what Rob was doing last year.”

“I’m sure if we play to our potential we can be challenging in all competitions, but our main goal has to be to get Kent promoted in the Championship.”

“We are all raring to go. The weather appears to be perking up and we cannot wait to get going. We have worked hard in practice and now want to take our competitive skills into a match situation.”

“I would be lying if I said that we didn’t want to do more in pre-season. We stayed here in the UK and it was difficult. We probably had slightly less outdoor cricket than we would have liked but mentally we are feeling good and looking forward to the challenges ahead.”

“I’ve had the opportunity to lead the team on a few occasions but it will feel extra special (walking out at Grace Road) knowing that I’ve got this great honour. I hope that I can do the role justice and am really looking forward to it.”

“I honestly think we are capable of doing that and challenging for trophies in the T20 and 40 over game, we just need to keep everyone fit and see where it takes us.”

Kent’s 12 man squad to face Leicestershire beginning on Wednesday is:

Rob Key, Sam Northeast, Brendan Nash, Mike Powell, Darren Stevens, Geraint Jones, James Tredwell, Calum Haggett, Matt Coles, Mark Davies, Charlie Shreck, Ashley Shaw.