NORTHEAST KEEN TO MAINTAIN START

and establish ourselves near the top of the table.

“Hampshire are a good side and have started well in Division 1. It will be tough but we are a good white ball side.”

Kent head to Taunton on Tuesday (11am) to face Somerset in their second game and Northeast added: “They won’t have Chris Gayle, which is a bonus. We have done quite well down there recently and hopefully we can keep that run going.”

Alex Blake and Mitch Claydon could feature for the Spitfires with Sean Dickson making way.

Despite his fine form, Northeast was overlooked by England’s selectors again, although Sam Billings was called-up to face Ireland and South Africa in a ODI series before the ICC Champions Trophy on home soil.

Northeast said: “I didn’t really expect anything, the one day side is pretty settled. It’s great news for Sam, he’s come of age, playing in these big competitions around the world.”