Kent’s preparations for the 2017 season will see them compete in the West Indies' domestic 50-over competition in Antigua in January and February.

After accepting an invitation to enter the fourth annual Regional Super50 competition, Kent will face under-19 world champions West Indies and senior sides from Trinidad & Tobago, Windward Islands and Leeward Islands in the group stages from late January to mid February.

Kent chief executive Jamie Clifford said: “It is a huge honour. It will be the perfect opportunity to play competitive off-season cricket and good overseas experience for the players.

“We look forward to helping make the competition a big success and introducing the Spitfires to cricket supporters in the Caribbean.”

West Indies Cricket Board Operations Manager Roland Holder said: “Regional players will have an opportunity to test their skills against their contemporaries from another region. We anticipate keen contests with our Franchise Teams. We are pleased to welcome them.”

The tour will be sponsored by Kent plant hire company FGS Plant, whose logo will appear on special Spitfires kits designed for the tournament.

FGS managing director Stuart Willy said: “As a long-standing supporter of the club, we’re delighted to be involved in such a historic tour.

“We hope the trip will put the county on the map and help prepare the squad for a memorable 2017 season.”

Super-50 groups: Group A: Kent Spitfires, Leeward Islands Hurricanes, Trinidad & Tobago Red Force, West Indies Under-19s, Windward Islands Volcanoes.

Group B: Barbados Pride, Guyana Jaguars, CCC Marooners, Jamaica Scorpions, ICC Americas.

Schedule: Jan 22: Travel; Jan 23-24: Practice; Jan 25: Kent Spitfires v Leeward Islands Hurricanes; Jan 29: Kent Spitfires v T&T Red Force; Jan 31: Kent Spitfires v Windward Volcanoes; Feb 2: Kent Spitfires v WI U19s, Feb 4: Kent Spitfires v Leeward Islands Hurricanes, Feb 8: Kent Spitfires v T&T Red Force, Feb 10: Kent Spitfires v Windward Volcanoes, Feb 12: Kent Spitfires v WI U19s.