Leicestershire v Kent: LV=CC squad news

Kent travel to Leicestershire in search of a win to kick-start their LV= County Championship campaign at Grace Road.

In contrast to their table-topping NatWest T20 Blast form, Kent need momentum in the four-day format with a game or two in hand of their rivals.

The hosts include ex- Kent seamer Charlie Shreck and have taken their former opener Greg Smith on a month’s loan to cover international absentees.

Ben Harmison returns to the LV=CC squad after making his first XI comeback in the Australia tour match last week after a pre-season knee injury.

Joe Denly and Calum Haggett (side), Darren Stevens (knee) and Matt Coles (back) are also fit to travel.

Kent squad: 17 Sam Northeast (c), 23 Daniel Bell-Drummond, 6 Joe Denly, 4 Rob Key, 30 Fabian Cowdrey, 21 Ben Harmison, 3 Darren Stevens, 24 Adam Ball, 20 Sam Billings, 26 Matt Coles, 25 Calum Haggett, 15 James Tredwell, 5 Ivan Thomas.

Leicestershire v Kent stats (courtesy of Opta);

· Kent are unbeaten in their last 11 games against Leicestershire (won four, drawn seven).

· Leicestershire lost the toss in their last game against Glamorgan after winning all of the preceding five.

· The Foxes have not won any of their last 20 home matches (drawn six, lost 14).

· Of the 19 leading run-scorers this season, Sam Northeast is the only player yet to hit a century (672 runs, seventh most, with a high score of 88).

· Charlie Shreck has not scored a run in any of his last eight Championship appearances (seven ducks, one not out) with his last five dismissals all being LBW.

Leics v Kent head-to-head record:Played 157, Kent won 77, Leics won 29, 51 draws