Former T20 champions Kent optimistic over chances

Geraint Jones thinks Kent are hitting form at the right time

Kent wicketkeeper Geraint Jones thinks his side will be contenders in this year's FL t20 campaign, despite their modest start to the season.

They have struggled in both the County Championship and Clydesdale Bank 40, but Jones told BBC Radio Kent that the 2008 champions have "a decent chance".

He said: "In Twenty20 we've generally done very well with our team - and hopefully we can get some early wins.

"I think we can get up the top and really push for that finals day."

Kent young fast bowler Matt Coles is equally as optimistic. He told BBC Radio Kent: "I reckon we've got a good side coming into it so there's no reason why we can't be a massive contender for it.

"I love it, I love Twenty20 - it's the part of the season we're all looking forward to.

I think the Twenty20 has come at the right time for us - the batsmen are in good form and we've added to our bowling attack

Kent coach Paul Farbrace

"I really looking forward to showing people what I can do out on the park in such a short form of the batsman's game and hopefully restrict them as much as I can.

"It's lovely to be playing under those massive crowds and if we can get a good win - that'd be even better."

Kent open their T20 campaign at the Nevill Ground against last year's beaten finalists Somerset.

But following their recent victory over Leicestershire in the County Championship, plus the imminent arrival of South Africa seam bowler Charl Langeveldt - as their overseas player - coach Paul Farbrace thinks his side are in good shape.

"I think our batters in the last couple of weeks have started to show some great form," he said.

"I think the Twenty20 has come at the right time for us - the batsmen are in good form - we've added to our bowling attack.

"All of a sudden we're starting to look like a good side and I think that's quite exciting - not only for the team but the supporters as well."

Even though Twenty20 is a favourite competition with the players, Farbrace admits it is not an easy tournament to be part of.

He said: "I don't think as a coach you ever enjoy Twenty20 - I think you're absolutely drained at the end of it.

"Practice is longer than for any other form - everybody wants to smash the ball out of the ground - so you become a bit of a target 22 yards away for them to belt the ball at you.

"But to play in front of full houses, like we'll get here Friday and Sunday - players love that.

"At the end of the day cricket is entertainment - it's sport and entertainment.

"The more people who come and watch the better.

"It makes the players raise their game, the excitement levels go up and that's why it's tough playing back-to-back Twenty20 games.

"Twenty20 cricket takes a lot out of you because every single ball is played at 100mph. Every bowler knows that when he runs up to bowl - a batsman wants hit him out the ground, every fielder's in the game - there's no hiding place.

"The whole skill level of the game has gone through the roof."

BBC Radio Kent will have ball-by-ball commentary of Kent v Somerset in the FL t20 on 774 MW, DAB and online.