By Andrew Gidley

Martin van Jaarsveld leads Kent into a crucial spell in the club’s season next week as staying in LV= County Championship Division 1 becomes the top priority.

The innings and 111-run defeat by Hampshire at the Rose Bowl last week, dropped them into the bottom two, ahead of Tuesday's trip to Taunton to face Somerset.

Van Jaarsveld (pictured) takes over as skipper from the injured Rob Key and said: "The guys have been in this week working hard despite being given three days off.

"Personal pride plays its part but it’s all about working toward a collective goal."

Key’s absence could mean a reshuffled Championship batting order.

Sam Northeast could possibly move up the order to open with Joe Denly, leaving a gap in the middle order but Amjad Khan could return after his hamstring injury.

Spitfires complete their Friends Provident t20 South Group campaign with games against Glamorgan Dragons at the SWALEC Stadium in Cardiff on Friday and Somerset Sabres at Taunton on Sunday.

How can Kent pull their season around? Have your say below.