Friends Provident T20 preview: Kent Spitfires

T20 pedigree Have reached the last three Finals Days, although their returns have been diminishing: winners in 2007, runners-up in 2008, and beaten semi-finalists last year. Captain Rob Key Overseas player Malinga Bandara (Sri Lanka) Experienced leg-spinner whose international opportunities have been limited by Muttiah Muralitharan and Ajantha Mendis. Was Gloucestershire's player of the year in 2005 but is Kent's only overseas player drafted in. Watch out for Azhar Mahmood Crafty Pakistan all-rounder who has British citizenship. Nerveless at the death with bat and ball, he has a sensational Twenty20 record, averaging 28 with the bat and 21 with the ball. Prospects A grizzled, streetwise line-up know their way around the Twenty20 circuit as well as anyone. The lack of a second overseas player may cost them, but it would be a surprise if they failed to qualify for the quarter-finals. How they're hoping to get the punters in… Kent have employed a new announcer to rev things along with the help of the usual cheerleaders and lively music. Odds 14-1 Fixtures 2 June Essex Eagles (a) 7.10pm 3 June Hampshire Royals (a) 7pm 9 June Sussex Sharks (h) 5.30pm 11 June Middlesex Panthers (h) 5.30pm 13 June Gloucestershire Gladiators (h) 2.30pm 18 June Surrey Lions (a) 4pm 20 June Somerset Sabres (h) 3pm 23 June Surrey Lions (h) 5.30pm 24 June Middlesex Panthers (a) 6.15pm 27 June Sussex Sharks (a) 5.30pm 2 July Hampshire Royals (h) 5.30pm 4 July Gloucestershire Gladiators (h) 3pm 9 July Essex Eagles (h) 5.30pm 11 July Glamorgan Dragons (h) 2.30pm 16 July Glamorgan Dragons (a) 6.30pm 18 July Somerset Sabres (a) 11am