THE one-day cricket champions of Britain clash with the four-day title-holders on Sunday when Kent Spitfires start the defence of their Norwich Union League title at home to Yorkshire Phoenix. Kent are hoping for big crowd at the St Lawrence Ground for their first National League clash of the summer, against a side shorn of Test match stars Michael Vaughan, Matthew Hoggard and the injured Darren Gough.

Captain Matthew Fleming said: "Setting the tone for the season is very important to us. We need a winning start in this league after not playing very well in the Benson & Hedges Cup. We hope to pick from a full-strength squad and we will be looking forward to defending our title vigorously."

Fleming's side completed a league double over the Phoenix last year and, while conceding that Yorkshire have been weakened by injury and England calls, he believes Kent will be the side to beat this summer, having boosted their team-spirit with their 2001 title win.

"I'm not fussed about whether it's a good time to play Yorkshire or not," he said. "I think sides will be worried whether it will be a good time to play Kent, after all we're the defending champions."