Preview: Kent v Warwickshire, Friendly

Warwickshire will have a very strong squad in the field when they face Kent in their opening pre-season friendly at Canterbury.

With no pre-season tour abroad this year, the UK-based friendlies for the Bears start early (March 21) with the opening day of a two-day game at the Spitfire Ground, St Lawrence.

As Will Rhodes's side prepares to defend the LV= Insurance County Championship title, the players were practicing outdoors last week after a long winter in the gym and indoor centre.

The weather was kind, so the players were able to fully flex their muscles in the middle at Edgbaston. On Monday, preparations take another step up with the first friendly and First Team Coach Mark Robinson has been able to name a very strong 13-man squad.

"Manraj Johal has had a bit of an injury but he will be fit soon and everyone else is okay so things are ticking along nicely," he said. "Touch wood, we will have a fully fit squad going into the season.

"The players got outdoors for the first time last week and got in some really good practice. We had some luck with the weather, the only day when it rained was Wednesday when the lads were off, so that worked out well.

Following the friendly with Kent, the Bears will play a two-dayer against Nottinghamshire at Trent Bridge on March 26 and 27, followed by three-dayers against Worcestershire at Edgbaston (March 28-30) and Somerset at Taunton (April 1-3).

All leads up to the start of their title defence against Surrey at Edgbaston on April 7 and, with everyone fit, Henry Brookes and Dan Mousley back after their injuries, competition for places is intense.

"We will have some tough decision to make and they are good decisions to have to make," said Robinson. "We want selection to be taken out of your hands due to the quality of performances, All the players will have opportunities in the next couple of weeks and get at least one three-day game and that's their chance to stake their claim."

Warwickshire Squad

Will Rhodes (Captain)Danny BriggsHenry BrookesMichael Burgess (WK)Alex DaviesGeorge GarrettSam HainOlly Hannon-DalbyCraig MilesDan MousleyLiam NorwellDom SibleyRob Yates