KENT all-rounder Andrew Symonds claimed the first Worcestershire wicket after an hour's play in today's Frizzell Championship clash at New Road.

Following on his good form of Tunbridge Wells Festival Week, Symonds sent back home opener Stephen Moore (5) to make it 55 for one.

Symonds came on at the New Road End after 12 overs to bowl Moore with a full-length in-swinger that cut through to trim the off bail.

Earlier, batsman Ed Smith was named as skipper to take charge of his first championship match after skipper David Fulton failed a late fitness test on a bruised hand.

Fulton was hit by a beamer from Steve Crook during Kent's four-day clash with Lancashire and struggled to hold the bat properly when netting at Worcestershire's ground this morning.

Alex Louden was drafted in to replace Fulton, but will bat at six in the order with Michael Carberry moving up to open.

With six out through injury and absense, rookie quick bowler Simon Cusden was also named for a championship debut

The 19-year-old, who plays his Kent League cricket for Canterbury-based St Lawrence and Highland Court, replaces Mohammad Sami.

The visitors are also without the injured Min Patel (groin), Sami (knee) and Rob Ferley (broken knuckle) as well as Martin Saggers and Geraint Jones, who are on Test duty with England.

The injury crisis also led to a season's championship debut for ex-Somerset seamer Ben Trott, who was named as nominated replacement for Saggers, who may yet play in this game if released from the England squad at Trent Bridge.

David Stiff misses out after an indifferent performance in the seven-wicket victory over Lancashire.

Kent will be looking to complete a win double over newly-promoted Worcestershire, having beaten them at St Lawrence in April.

Kent: Key, Smith (capt), Symonds, Walker, Carberry, Loudon, O'Brien, Tredwell, Sheriyar, Cusden,Trott.