Matt Walker has described the signing of vice-captain Jack Leaning as one of the best during his time in charge of Kent.
Leaning, 30, has become a hugely popular figure since he moved from Yorkshire in August 2019.
He’s set to become Spitfires skipper throughout their 2024 Metro Bank One-Day Cup campaign, subject to his availability, after he agreed fresh terms last month which will keep him under contract until 2026.
Walker, appointed as Kent head coach in 2017, said: “I think he’s been one of the finest signings from my time here.
“When we signed Jack, we knew what we were getting and that’s why we tried so hard to get him! He’s an experienced player with the right values and attitudes that you want.
“He’s led by example on the field. He’s a real warrior of a cricketer, a real fighter, and someone that desperately wants to win. He’s a very good cricketer.
“You wouldn’t necessarily say he’s an out-and-out all-rounder – but he’s extremely handy with the ball, a brilliant fielder and the runs he has scored have been extremely valuable.
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“We’re very lucky to have him. He’s really enjoyed his time since he came down from Yorkshire.
“Obviously, he bought a house really quickly and settled down. I think he loves the area and loves the club.”
Walker anticipates the Bristol-born player will have more success with the bat this summer than he had in a tough 2023 campaign personally.
“I’m looking forward to Jack having a really big year,” explained the coach. “He was frustrated last year.
“There were some real signs in Championship cricket and a lot of starts, but he never really went on. He’d probably admit himself that it was his most frustrating season.
“So, I’m expecting some really big things this year from Jack. I know how hungry and passionate he is.
“You need those personalities in the dressing room. He’s an up-and-at-them kind of player and will lead the dressing room in his own way.
“We’re very happy he’s committed to the club. He will be a very important part of the club, going forward.”
Leaning has captained Kent 32 times in 118 appearances and expressed an interest in becoming club skipper permanently at the end of the 2023 summer.
Although Daniel Bell-Drummond got the nod as Kent’s new red-ball skipper in October, batting all-rounder Leaning is still clearly a huge part of Walker’s plans.
Walker said: “If you’re honest with Jack and explain the reasons, he gets it.
“If we had gone with Jack, we still would have been extremely happy with that.
“But you have to make a decision and we felt – probably unanimously – we were going to go the other way (and choose Bell-Drummond as the new club captain).
“We explained the reasons to Jack, which he totally understood. He may well be captain of Kent at some stage as a club captain down the line.
“He’ll have his opportunity to keep growing his captaincy skills in the 50-over competition. His value is enormous for that.
“Just because he’s not a captain for us, that doesn’t mean we won’t need his leadership qualities. I think he understands that completely.
“Just because it didn’t go his way this time, he shouldn’t give up the drive and ambition to be captain.
“I don’t think he will – he’ll still want to do it at some stage. He gets it completely.
“We’re right behind Jack, 100%, and you never know what’s around the corner.
“I would never wish ill on anybody – but Jack may end up having to do it at some stage if Deebs (Bell-Drummond) is injured or whatever else happens.
“What we want is lots of leaders and lots of people who can help in their own way.
“There will only be one captain with that title, and they will have the ultimate responsibility of the team, but you want a dressing room full of leaders.
“We have got a few of those and we’re trying to grow a few more with the younger ones, as well.”
