Kent Spitfires make changes to NatWest T20 Blast Squad

Jimmy Adams has made three changes to his T20 Blast squad, which suffered the tense, last ball, loss to Gloucestershire in last Friday night’s NatWest T20 Blast fixture. One change made by the Kent Head Coach, has been forced on him by the hamstring injury to David Griffiths, suffered delivering a wicket taking ball half way through his third over, which sees him left out. Doug Bollinger is being rested due to having a sore shoulder and Ben Harmison has been added to the squad. ‘We’ve had a few games recently where we haven’t quite made it over the line. The tie with Glamorgan and loss to Gloucestershire were disappointing. To make the playoffs we need to beat Surrey, who have been in great form, so it’s as straightforward as that,’ stated Adams.

Surrey has the better record in the head to head encounters between the neighbours, with 12 victories to Kent’s 8, in the 20 matches so far. The Londoners dominated the 2013 fixtures, setting a formidable 176 for 3 batting first at Canterbury. Steven Davies hitting a dominant 95 not out. In reply, despite a brisk 60 by Sam Northeast, the Spitfires fell well short, ending on 145 for 9, losing by 31 runs. The return fixture, at Kia Oval, was a closer affair with a noteworthy contribution, and career T20 high, from Fabian Cowdrey of 50 in Kent’s total of 139 for 4 in their 20 overs. While again losing the fixture, the bowling unit put in a very creditable performance with Darren Stevens capturing two wickets for only 16 runs in his four overs and Adam Riley similar taking two wickets, in his four for 23. In the end Surrey made the total in 19.1 overs for the loss of five wickets.

The match begins 6.30pm Wednesday 2 July, at the Kia Oval, London. Please note this is a televised fixture with coverage on Sky Sport 2.

The full squad is:

· Rob Key (c)

· Adam Ball

· Daniel Bell-Drummond

· Sam Billings (w)

· Alex Blake

· Mitch Claydon

· Fabian Cowdrey

· Charlie Hartley

· Ben Harmison

· Sam Northeast

· Adam Riley

· Darren Stevens

· James Tredwell

Injury Update:

Mark Davies, David Griffiths and Ivan Thomas unavailable due to injuries