Kent name strong squad for Loughborough match

Kent’s cricketers entertain Loughborough UCCE in their final three-day pre-season friendly match at the St Lawrence Ground this weekend.

The clash against the students will give the players a final chance to get some valuable time in the middle before they start their LV= county championship division one campaign with a tough trip to Trent Bridge to take on Nottinghamshire, starting next Thursday, 15 April.

Throughout the winter the Kent stars have either been playing cricket around the world, continuing rehabilitation from injury or just putting in the hard graft here at Canterbury. James Tredwell picked up his first Test-match cap in Bangladesh. His off-spin claimed fine match figures of six for 181 and he helped England claim a series whitewash over the Tigers.

The likes of Darren Stevens and Simon Cook have also been globetrotting with Darren playing domestic t20 in Zimbabwe and club cricket in South Africa while Cook, who yesterday signed a new contract with the club, travelled to Hong Kong to get some games under his belt.

Quick bowlers Amjad Khan and Robbie Joseph continued their return to fitness with trips to Australia and Antigua respectively while others, such as captain Rob Key, spent the winter months honing their skills here in the county.

Team director Paul Farbrace has named a strong 12 for the game.

Kent: Rob Key (captain), Joe Denly, Geraint Jones (wicketkeeper), Martin van Jaarsveld, Sam Northeast, Darren Stevens, James Tredwell, Simon Cook, Dewald Nel, Matt Coles, Phil Edwards, Paul Dixey

There is free admission so make sure you get along to the St Lawrence Ground for your first look at Kent in the 2010 season.

First and second days –Start–11.00am
Lunch– 1.15pm – 1.55pm
Tea– 4.10pm – 4.30pm
Close–6.30pm

Third (final) day–Start–11.00am
Lunch–1.00pm – 1.40pm
Tea–3.40pm – 4.00pm
Close–6.00pm

Here is some further information on the fixture:

The umpires are Rob Bailey and George Sharp

The Main Gate and the Oast Gate will be open – Nackington will remain closed

Admission is free to all

All seating areas will be open and, assuming there is no heavy overnight rain, there will be ample on-ground parking

The Chiesman bar will be open and light refreshments will be available. The Cornwallis and Harris Rooms will not be open.

Scorecards will be produced but there will be no newspapers on sale

The Main Office will be open for membership renewals

The Club Shops will be open until early afternoon on all three days