Kent name 13-man squad to face Hampshire in friendly

Kent head coach Jimmy Adams has selected a 13-man squad to travel to Hampshire for a two-day game at The Ageas Bowl in Southampton, starting on Tuesday.

Off-season recruits Joe Denly and Matt Coles travel to the South Coast as Kent prepare for their LV= County Championship campaign which starts next week.

Coles joins former Hampshire bowler David Griffiths as two old boys travelling to their former employer.

Head coach Adams believes the squad is in good shape after a fortnight of outdoor training with minimal disruption from the elements.

The former West Indies Test player said: “We have been fairly fortunate with the weather for this time of year and it has allowed us to recreate competitive situations as there’s no substitute for action in the middle.

“Nearly all the lads have been away this winter so it’s mainly been a case of re-acclimatising to the conditions and the red ball before the season starts.

“The Hampshire game is an opportunity against quality opposition. Inter-squad games are good but this will be a good test for us.”

The two-day fixture is scheduled to start at 11am on both days – entry is free.

HAMPSHIRE SQUAD: Jimmy Adams (4, captain), Andre Adams (41), Tom Alsop (9), Gareth Berg (13), Jackson Bird (22), Danny Briggs (19), Liam Dawson (8), Sean Ervine (7), Will Smith (2), James Tomlinson (21), Brad Wheal (58), Adam Wheater (31), Chris Wood (25).

KENT SQUAD: Rob Key (4, captain), Daniel Bell Drummond (23), Joe Denly (6), Brendan Nash (40), Sam Northeast (17), Darren Stevens (3), Sam Billings (20), Calum Haggett (25), Matt Coles (26), Adam Riley (33), Ivan Thomas (5), Mitch Claydon (8), David Griffiths (18).

Kent begin their season at home with a three-day game against Loughborough MCCU at The Spitfire Ground, St Lawrence on Sunday (12 April). Entrance is free, everyone is welcome.