By Simon Mann Test Match Special commentator

Kent are strong enough to maintain their position in Division One of both leagues but do not look equipped to go a stage further and challenge for honours.

Mohammad Sami will spearhead Kent's pace bowling attack

Surrey and Sussex have demonstrated in recent years that a quality spinner is needed to win the championship and Kent do not possess one.

Muttiah Muralitharan demonstrated what was possible last season when his 33 wickets in five matches turned a relegation struggle into a comfortable fourth place finish.

Unfortunately, he is not coming back.

Kent have a relatively settled squad although veteran Mark Ealham has left to join Nottinghamshire after his best season for several years, taking 38 wickets and averaging 35 with the bat.

The main change has been on the coaching side where the policy of using overseas help has been abandoned.

A home-grown team of Simon Willis, Paul Farbrace and Chris Stone will share the various duties with Willis having the main responsibility for the first team.

KENT'S 2003 RECORD County Championship: 4th, Division One National League: 6th, Division One C&G Trophy: 4th round Twenty20 Cup: 3rd in South Group

Australia all-rounder Andrew Symonds returns for a fifth summer but will be away for some of the season on international duty.

The other overseas spot is taken by the Pakistani fast bowler Mohammed Sami, who played three championship matches last season.

He took 15 wickets in a game against Nottinghamshire and is sharp enough to trouble good batsmen.

His partnership with Martin Saggers, one of the county game's most consistent performers, will determine the extent of Kent's success.

Saggers was rewarded with an England cap in Bangladesh but is unlikely to feature in Test cricket this season unless the national team is hit by injuries.

Alamgir Sheriyar and Amjad Khan will provide the seam bowling back-up.

Neither was particularly effective last summer after strong performances in 2002 - for Worcestershire in Sheriyar's case.

Ed Smith is eager for another taste of Test cricket

They will have to do better if Kent are serious about improving on their finishing positions of the last three seasons - third, third and fourth.

The batting line-up is certainly strong enough.

After David Fulton's golden season in 2001, it was Ed Smith's turn to shine in 2003 as seven centuries earned him a Test call-up and a place on the England A tour.

The county game is full of players who been tried briefly at international level and then discarded permanently. Smith has a battle on not to join them.

Disappointingly, Rob Key regressed last summer.

His omission by England clearly affected his county form. He still has time in which to establish himself as a Test player but this is an important season for him.