Kent have a proud 81-year record to uphold at the St Lawrence ground in Canterbury when they do battle with the New Zealand touring team.

The three-day friendly, starting today, is the opening first-class fixture of the tour for the Kiwis, who have yet to beat Kent in 10 previous attempts dating back to 1927.

Down the years there have been six draws, but Kent have won on four occasions, including the first three clashes, then again in 2004 when David Fulton's side walloped the tourists by nine wickets.

Kent will be captained by Rob Key, who is fit again after missing the four-day game against Sussex with a virus, but Martin van Jaarsveld, Yasir Arafat and Azhar Mahmood will all be rested.

Former Kent Academy pace bowler Alex Blake will be given a chance to shine with the new ball, while Martin Saggers and Simon Cook will also get their opportunity to stake a claim for first team inclusion.

Kent side to play New Zealand: Key, Denly, Tredwell, Walker, Stevens, Dexter, Jones, McLaren, Cook, Blake, Saggers.