Hayward out of reckoning

Nantie Hayward is unlikely to feature for Hampshire yet

New Hampshire signing Nantie Hayward is unlikely to make his debut against Kent in their LV County Championship Division One clash.

The former South Africa fast bowler joined the county this week for the rest of the season as a Kolpak player, but he has played little competitive cricket of late and will be given time to build his match fitness.

Fellow paceman Shane Bond is in contention following a calf injury, having made his comeback in Sunday’s Friends Provident Trophy defeat to Gloucestershire.

Veteran batsman John Crawley is set to return to the top order after a calf strain that kept him out of Championship draw with Surrey. Chris Benham is likely to make way.

Wicketkeeper Nic Pothas has recovered from a calf problem but Tom Burrows is set to continue behind the stumps.

England batsman Kevin Pietersen is unavailable but Chris Tremlett, who was named in England’s squad for the second npower Test against New Zealand, is set to play.

Kent are without Pakistan fast bowler Yasir Arafat for the trip to Hampshire in Division One of the LV County Championship.

Arafat is rested to allow him time to recover from a couple of niggles. Amjad Khan makes a timely return from injury in his place.

All-rounder Azhar Mahmood is back in the side following a finger injury that kept him out against Sussex as experienced seamer Martin Saggers makes way.