Kent name squad ahead of Sunday’s CB40 at The Nevill

Kent have named a 12 man squad ahead of their Clydesdale Bank 40 match against Northamptonshire Steelbacks at The Nevill on Sunday.

The 100th Tunbridge Wells Cricket Festival continues with this crucial CB40 Group C clash. The Spitfiresside which was frustrated against the Unicorns on Tuesday has a couple of changes. Mark Davies is rested for the fixture and is replaced in the squad by Simon Cook. Fabian Cowdrey makes up the twelve in place of Michael Powell.

The Spitfires are currently well positioned in third place, three points off leaders Warwickshire who have played a game more. Kent inflicted the Bears' first defeat of the season at Canterbury last Friday. Northants, on the other hand, have yet to fire in this season’s competition; they have yet to claim a win from their opening five matches and prop up the table. On Sunday, a win is imperative for both.

Before Tuesday’s wash-out against the Unicorns at Southend, Kent were in prime form as they brushed aside Warwickshire in a rain-affected victory at the St Lawrence Ground last week. Under the floodlights and in front of the Sky Sports cameras, the Spitfires gunned down their opponents in all departments to seal a thumping ten-wicket win.

Northants also suffered a washout in their previous CB40 game against Yorkshire, but, before that, they suffered a heavy defeat at the hands of Jim Troughton’s Warwickshire to continue their slow start to the qualifying stages.

Kent will be looking for a reverse result from the last time Northants visited the Garden of England for a List A fixture. Back in 2009, the two met in a Pro40 Division Two clash at Canterbury and it proved to be a one-sided affair with the Steelbacks securing a 99 run win.

An inexperienced side that day has been replaced by a more solid and vibrant Spitfires one-day package this season. Sunday is a crucial match for Jimmy Adams’ men as they look to keep CB40 Group C qualification well within their sights.

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The full squad to face Northamptonshire Steelbacks will be:

Rob Key (c)

Sam Billings

Brendan Nash

Darren Stevens

Sam Northeast

Ben Harmison

Geraint Jones

James Tredwell

Matt Coles

Adam Ball

Simon Cook

Fabian Cowdrey

Gates will open at 11.45am on Sunday ahead of a 1.45pm. Save by purchasing print at home tickets, available until gates open on Sunday – click here for tickets.

There will be a bucket collection for Demelza on Sunday, please dig deep and give your support to this fantastic charity. Demelza are also encouraging supporters to wear dotty items to support their 'Go Dotty for De.melza' campaign

Parking at The Nevill

If you hold a parking pass for the St Lawrence Ground or Simon Langton Girls' School you will be able to park on site at The Nevill at no additional cost subject to availability. There is also limited one off on site parking available for £10.

You may also wish to consider parking in Forest Road or Warwick Park Road. There are also several car parks within a 10 – 15 minute walk; Torrington Car Park, Great Hall Car Park and Pantiles Car Park.

You may consider travelling by taxi from the station.

Photo: Sarah Ansell SarahCanterbury.com