Kent followers have greeted the controversial decision to play a ‘home’ game outside the county next summer for the first time in their 140-year history with a mixed response.

The Spitfires will host Essex at The Brit Oval in the new-look Friends Provident T20 competition on Friday, July 9 in the hope of generating extra revenue but the reaction on the county’s website forum and elsewhere from members and supporters has been wide-ranging.

One labelled the decision a "disgrace and a lack of respect to Kent fans" while another described it as "a high-risk strategy and a bigger gamble than hosting a Sugababes concert" but others are willing to give it a chance.

Supporters’ Club chairman Terry Hall said: "I have no mandate to talk on behalf of our members but speaking personally, it’s a brave experiment, needs to be supported and given a chance.

"The county feel they can earn more playing the game at The Oval rather than at Beckenham, which seems to be the obvious venue to play Essex."

Secretary Keith Austin added: "I was surprised and couldn’t believe it at first but the county can use all the money it can get on an occasion like this. I watch a lot of four-day cricket but also I like the Twenty20 concept, the atmosphere and crowds, which make it exciting."