Kent Spitfires’ Friends Life t20 hopes have been dealt a blow after Darren Stevens was told not to bowl for six weeks.

All-rounder Stevens (pictured) has a trapped nerve in his shoulder and, while he can continue to bat and field, he will be unable to bowl for the majority of Kent’s t20 campaign.

The Spitfires begin their campaign against both of last season’s finalists in the space of three days at Tunbridge Wells, with runners-up Somerset Sabres due at The Nevill tomorrow (Friday, 5.30pm) and champions Hampshire Royals visiting on Sunday (3pm).

Kent director of cricket Farbrace said:"Darren has been in pain all year, and if he carried on like that he wouldn’t be able to grip the bat at all.

"It’s a shame because he did so well in t20 last season, when Rob Key came up with the masterstroke to open the bowling with him."

Simon Cook, the club’s leading wicket-taker in the competition last season with 21 victims, was due to have a couple of 2nd XI outings earlier this week to test his fitness, after recovering from a broken thumb, and will be in contention.

Azhar Mahmood, rested from this week’s LV= County Championship match against Leicestershire, also returns while Ashley Shaw will be added to the squad.