Kent Spitfires v Middlesex Crusaders

SPITFIRES again look set to be without their captain Rob Key for tonight's crucial Twenty20 Cup group qualifier against Middlesex at Beckenham, starting at 5.30pm.

For the penultimate tie of the qualifying stages and Kent's last at home, the hosts will again be led by Martin van Jaarsveld should Key fail a fitness test on a hamstring strain.

Kent go into the game in fourth place in southern conference following Tuesday night's results that saw Middlesex beat leaders Surrey and Sussex hammer Essex.

The outcome is that both Crusaders and the Sharks leapfrog Kent, who now need a victory over Middlesex this evening if they are to sustain their qualification hopes.

The visitors are set to include ex-Kent favourites Ed Smith and Twenty20 specialist Tyron Henderson.

Almost 4,500 tickets have been sold in advance so officials are advising supporters to get to Worsley Bridge Road early in order to avoid congestion. The gates open from 3pm.

Kent from: Van Jaarsveld, Denly, Walker, Stevens, Dexter, Jones, McLaren, Arafat, Tredwell, Cook, Morkel, Key, Joseph.