Paul Farbrace wants Kent Spitfires to begin this season’s Clydesdale Bank 40 one-day campaign the same way they finished last season when they just missed out on qualification for the knockout stages.

They face Worcestershire in Group A at the St Lawrence Ground on Sunday, before travelling to Lord’s to face Middlesex the following day. Both games start at 1.45pm.

The Spitfires’ poor start saw them lose two of their opening four games – with two others rained off – but they recovered well, losing only one of their other eight games to finish runners-up behind group winners Warwickshire.

Director of cricket Farbrace (pictured) said: "Once we worked out how to play 40 overs, we adapted well and started to play some good cricket.

"We brought in one or two youngsters and it was nice to win games in those circumstances.

"Our side this season will be similar to the one we had last season, the only one missing is Amjad Khan, who only took four wickets last season anyway.

"We are looking to hit the ground running this time against Worcestershire and only having to travel to London on Sunday night is also a bonus."