Phil Edwards was handed his LV County Championship debut for Kent against Northamptonshire at Canterbury.

The 25-year-old former Cambridge University right arm seamer, who is on a development contract with the county, got his chance due to injuries and unavailabilty of several first choice bowlers.

Amjad Khan (knee), Robbie Joseph (shoulder) and Simon Cook (back) were all ruled out, Justin Kemp has just arrived and plays for the Second Xl later this week, while Ryan McLaren is away on IPL duty in his native South Africa.

Steffan Jones is also making his debut for Kent, following his loan move from Somerset, and Martin Saggers completes the pace attack. James Hockley is also included, but Sam Northeast and Rob Ferley missed out.

Kent: Key (capt), Denly, G Jones, Van Jaarsveld, Stevens, Hockley, Mahmood, Tredwell, S Jones, Edwards, Saggers.