NEWLY promoted Hampshire will present injury-hit Kent with a tough start to their new county championship campaign in Canterbury on Friday.

Though Kent have a new man at the four-day helm in David Fulton, there is worrying sense of déjà vu around the St Lawrence ground this week as the county's bowlers line up for treatment in the physiotherapy room.

Last season's leading wicket-taker Martin Saggers is on the comeback trail from a groin strain after missing the pre-season training camp in Port Elizabeth with a slight back strain, yet remains optimistic of starting against Hampshire.

But close-season signing James Hewitt (knee), Ben Trott (back), James Golding (side strain) are all set to undergo late fitness tests, while England all-rounder Mark Ealham will definitely miss out after fracturing a knuckle on his right hand.

Danish international strike bowler Amjad Khan is likely to make a Frizell County Championship debut, while Lordswood's David Masters could earn a recall after impressing in pre-season matches.

Fulton said: "Hampshire have signed a few new faces and, like most sides, will be really buzzing at this time of year. They haven't had the best of times in recent years and they'll be looking to go places, so we won't be taking them lightly.

The skipper stressed: "We must match them in terms of commitment and enthusiasm and hopefully we will prevail. We must also remember that an injury to one man is an opportunity to another.

"It's the only good thing about injuries in that they create a hunger. I hope that the guys who come in will take their chance and will try and make it awkward for the man who missed out to get back in the team."

Hampshire strengthened their squad in the winter by signing England bat John Crawley from Lancashire, South African-born keeper Nic Pothas and Zimbabwean all-rounder Neil Johnson, who has returned as their overseas star.

Play starts at 11am each day and continues through until Monday.

Kent from: Key, Fulton, Smith, Symonds, Walker, Nixon, Fleming, Patel, Saggers, Hewitt, Masters, Khan, Hockley, Golding, Trott, Tredwell.