ROB KEY will captain Kent for the first time in the county’s opening warm-up game against Sussex at Hove on Friday.

Key will take a 12-man squad to the South Coast for a 50-overs-a-side game starting at 11am.

Overseas pair Andrew Hall and Justin Kemp are away on Test duty with South Africa, while Martin van Jaarsveld and Min Patel will also miss the game due to overseas commitments.

Martin Saggers and Simon Cook are still recovering from winter surgery and will not be involved.

Kent continue their build-up with a two-day game against Middlesex starting on Monday at Canterbury.

Key’s side start their County Championship campaign against Durham at Canterbury on Wednesday, April 19.