Kent v Surrey

KENT'S Twenty20 Cup heroes can expect a rousing reception back home at their St Lawrence headquarters on Wednesday for the start of their back-to-back Canterbury Cricket Week fixtures.

In existence since 1842, Kent's festival week has won renown for its traditions and ceremonies.

Ladies Day and the hat competition, the marching bands, the marquees representing the city mayor, the Band of Brothers, The Purchasers and the Hoppers Tie Club; all of whom have played their part in creating the rich history of this event that started at the Beverly Cricket Grounds on August 1, some 165 years ago.

But this year, all eyes will be firmly focussed on proceedings out in the middle where Kent can pretty much shape the remainder of their season should they secure two wins.

Buoyed by their Twenty20 Cup final win, Kent face a crucial LV Championship clash with fellow Division 1 strugglers Surrey from Wednesday then an equally vital NatWest Pro40 meeting with Durham that affects the top end of the Division 2 table on Sunday.

Kent go into the Surrey game in seventh spot, only 14 points clear of Surrey who occupy the second of the two relegation berths. A maximum points win for Kent could widen that gap to up to 36 points, which would give Rob Key's side plenty of breathing space in their remaining five championship matches.

Kent supporters will get their first look on home soil of their new overseas signing Lasith Malinga, who will remain with the county for the rest of the month.

The iconic Sri Lanka pace ace will also hope to play a big role in Sunday's clash.

The sides go into the game level on four points with two wins each from as many starts, though Kent hold a slight run rate advantage over the Dynamos.

Injuries apart, Kent are likely to field the same side that triumphed at Edgbaston last Saturday.

Kent from: Key, Denly, van Jaarsveld, Walker, Stevens, Jones, McLaren, Arafat, Tredwell, Cook, Malinga, Saggers, Dexter.

A SPECIAL REPORT SALUTING KENT'S VICTORY IN THE TWENTY20 COMPETITION WILL APPEAR IN THE SPORTS SECTIONS OF THIS WEEK'S KENT MESSENGER, KENTISH GAZETTE, KENTISH EXPRESS AND MEDWAY MESSENGER. DON'T MISS IT