Kent Cricket chief executive Jamie Clifford is hopeful of a big crowd at The Spitfire Ground, St Lawrence, for the visit of New Zealand for the first t20 game of the summer on Saturday.

The tourists visit Canterbury for a floodlit clash against the Spitfires at 7pm, fresh from their exit from the ICC Champions Trophy this week.

Mr Clifford said: “Having a tourists game is a once-a-year opportunity and these games are always well-supported, it should be a great occasion. Hopefully, the weather this week will be good.

“It should be a valuable game for both sides, with them facing England the following week while we begin our own t20 campaign.”

Mr Clifford revealed advance ticket sales had been encouraging, revealing: “Sales have been very, very strong, particularly without anyone knowing whether the game would even take place.

“On Monday afternoon, with New Zealand still in with a chance of going through, advance sales were something like 3,000, which bodes well.

“By the time Saturday evening comes around we’re hopeful of a very big crowd.”

Mr Clifford revealed the club had taken out insurance against the game being called off, in the event of the Kiwis qualifying for the final of the Champions Trophy.

Meanwhile, skipper Geraint Jones said it would be a memorable experience for the players.

He said: “It’s good to have a lead-in game before our competition gets underway (against Middlesex next Friday). New Zealand have a side packed with good players who always seem to over-achieve in the big tournaments.

“International sides playing county sides always creates interest and hopefully it will be a good test for both teams."