Kent squad for Specsavers County Championship opener
Saturday 9th April 2016
Kent have named a 13-man squad for the opening Specsavers County Championship match against Worcestershire at New Road on Sunday (10 April).
Joe Denly is passed fit after a side strain and captain Sam Northeast has several seam options at his disposal with Calum Haggett, Matt Coles, Mitch Claydon, Ivan Thomas and Hugh Bernard included.
Wicketkeeper Adam Rouse is set to make his Specsavers County Championship debut behind the stumps.
All eyes will be on skipper Sam Northeast who has the option of bowling first without a mandatory coin toss.
The right-handed batsman said: “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 help 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.”
Worcestershire director of cricket Steve Rhodes said: "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."
Kent squad:17 Sam Northeast (c), 23 Daniel Bell-Drummond, 6 Joe Denly, 58 Sean Dickson, 3 Darren Stevens, 10 Alex Blake, 12 Adam Rouse (wk), 25 Calum Haggett, 26 Matt Coles, 8 Mitchell Claydon, 33 Adam Riley, 5 Ivan Thomas, 27 Hugh Bernard