Joe Denly is being backed to make a positive impact in Kent’s middle order this summer.
Whitstable’s Denly made a strong start to the new season as a fine second-innings 110 helped Kent battle to a County Championship Division 1 draw with Somerset at Canterbury on Monday.
While the fluent 38-year-old batting all-rounder can play anywhere in the top six, he has spent the majority of his career towards the top-end of the order.
But Kent head coach Matt Walker said: “He has had a bit of a tough time in Championship cricket over the last couple of seasons.
“I think this No.5 role could be a really positive move for him – and us.
“Having that experience and quality coming in, in that position, in either situation – when you are up against it or in control – he has that quality about him.
“He can either find a way to get us back on track or accelerate the innings if we’re in a really good spot.
“It sort of happened by accident last year.
“When he came back into the side for the last few games, that was the spot that was free.
“He has been used to batting in the top three for all of his life but, actually, this could be a really important role for us and for him.”
Denly put on a 222-run partnership with new club captain Daniel Bell-Drummond, who was unbeaten on 107, as Kent recovered from 68-3 – still behind after Somerset established a first-innings lead – to collect their first 12 points this season.
“Hundreds in your first game of the season sets you off in a really nice way,” said Walker.
“I remember as a player – once upon a time – I always enjoyed those early-season runs in the bank. It just gives you such a confidence boost.
“As experienced players as they are and 100 percent trusting their techniques, sometimes, the runs count for everything.
“I’m not saying it was ever necessarily a hugely treacherous situation – but it could have been.
“That’s why those runs always count double for me in the second innings of a game when you’re having to fight quite hard through a period of concern.
“To see those two guys step up – experienced players – that’s what you want.
“For Deebs, it wasn’t straightforward. He said that he struggled through the first hour of batting to find his rhythm.
“Obviously, he had enjoyed a brilliant pre-season. But that’s batting.
“It’s never always as straightforward as people think.
“Very rarely do you walk out there and feel one million dollars from ball one all the way through your innings. It does happen from time to time but, generally, you have to fight quite hard to get yourself in.
“I thought they dealt with that situation really well. With a wicket straight after lunch, that momentum could have shifted.
“But the fact they saw that period through and got to tea unscathed, that was enormous.”
Kent will look to build upon their draw with Somerset against Essex, leaders after the opening round of 2024 County Championship Division 1 matches, with the game set to start at Chelmsford’s ground from today.
“They are always among the favourites to win the division,” noted Walker. “They are a fantastic side.
“They have recruited very well, replacing a pretty good opening batter (Sir Alastair Cook) with another one (Dean Elgar). That’s a challenge we face at the top of the order, as we always do against Essex.
“Their bowling attack is an enormous threat. Sam Cook and Jamie Porter are two of the best around. (Simon) Harmer, we know his quality. They’re a very good side.
“They have all bases covered and bat pretty deep, and they have a way of winning games of cricket from any position – as they showed this week at Nottinghamshire.
“We are always going to have to be right on it, as we say against any of these sides, but Essex, in particular, is a very dangerous side.
“But this week, people have had good time in the middle, people have spent overs in the field, getting them into their legs, and the batters have spent a lot of time in the middle, which should give them a lot of confidence.
“Two or three have nice scores behind them.
“It’s a nice challenge – but it won’t stop at any stage this season. I think it’ll probably be the most competitive division I think I’ve seen.
“I said that last year but, with Worcestershire and Durham, two good sides (coming up), there’s not a window of taking your foot off the gas at any stage.
“We’re going to have to be on it.”
Walker expects Kent to head to Essex with a similar squad to the one which started their campaign, Italian international all-rounder Grant Stewart (calf) and seam bowler Matt Quinn not yet fit to return, although Stewart is in their 13-man squad.
Dutch bowler Fred Klaassen also is included in the squad.
“It will be a very similar squad,” confirmed the coach, who expects England batsman Zak Crawley to return to the fold for the game against Surrey next week.
“Grant is getting there, slowly, slowly. But making some really good steps towards being fit.
“He will need a game in the second team. Hopefully, that’s the plan for next week so he can get some overs in and some time in the middle.
“He hasn’t done too much for a little while now.
“Quinny has still got a few more weeks yet to get over that back niggle.”
Ashford-born ex-Kent captain Sam Northeast hit the highest first-class score recorded at Lord’s of 335 not out as Glamorgan drew a high-scoring game against Middlesex.
Kent squad: Bell-Drummond, Agar, Compton, Denly, Evison, Finch, Garrett, Gilchrist, Klaassen, Leaning, Muyeye, Parkinson, Stewart.
