Last year we confidently predicted that Kent would be promoted and then compounded that error by tipping them as champions. They finished eighth, so you'd think we'd have given up predicting their fortunes, wouldn't you?
Strengths
There have been more comings and goings than Henry VIII's marital bed with new coach Jimmy Adams overseeing the arrival of Mark Davies, Ben Harmison, Charlie Shreck and Mike Powell. Davies in particular looks a shrewd acquisition as does Brendan Nash as the county's overseas player. Rob Key is still a fine batsman and a good captain whilst a good crop of youngsters such as England Under-19 captain Adam Ball and batsman Daniel Bell-Drummond can expect to be given their heads.
Weaknesses
The loss of Joe Denly and particularly Martin van Jaarsveld means that the new boys will have to fire from the off. Davies has been beset with injuries since being on the fringes of the England squad in 2009 and the rest of the seam attack has a bit of a pedestrian look about it.
Main man
We'd normally go for Key, but if they can keep him fit Mark Davies could turn out to be the buy of the season. He was a vital cog in Durham's Championship winning seasons of 2008 and 2009, and has a career first-class average of 22.63.
Look out for
Lots of interest in the likes of Ball, Sam Northeast and Bell-Drummond as cricket followers look for the next generation of England cricketers.
Prediction
3rd - Lots of runs from Key and a much better season at Canterbury, but not quite so good that it will end in promotion.
Where next?
Read our Division 1 previews: Durham, Lancashire, Middlesex, Notts, Somerset, Surrey, Sussex, Warwickshire and Worcestershire
Division 2 previews: Derbyshire, Essex, Glamorgan, Gloucestershire, Hampshire, Kent, Leicestershire, Northants and Yorkshire
2011 County Cricket Review: including Heroes of the Season, Best and Worst XIs, and a whole host of other nonsense
County Championship 2011 Preview - Kent
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