Bowling all-rounder Tom Rogers has joked he would return to Kent for free despite their awful T20 Blast campaign.
Spitfires finish their T20 competition against Surrey tomorrow night at Canterbury – knowing they will end bottom of the South group, regardless of the result.
Australian overseas Rogers has been involved in Kent’s second six-match block of games in the shortest format.
While the results have not gone the 2021 champions’ way, Rogers says the experience has still been a good one.
Speaking after their televised rain-affected home loss against Glamorgan on Tuesday, he said: “I would play for free!
“It’s so much fun.”
He joined Kent earlier this month and admitted the prospect of playing in the Blast was one which excited him.
Rogers said: “I have absolutely loved it.
“This is something I have wanted to tick off for a long time, playing in this competition.”
He has also enjoyed working and teaching Kent’s current crop despite their poor form.
“One of the great things about going to new clubs is that – all of a sudden – you have got 20 mates, which is so good,” he explained.
“It’s been good to get to know the young fellas, first and foremost, and a couple of them have been really good, asking some questions about different balls to bowl, when and different conditions.”
On why Spitfires have struggled to find the right T20 formula, he said: “Maybe, we’re playing the games 60 or 70% of the way that we want to and executing [that amount].”
There’s little on the Surrey game, although Rogers is aware a win could kick-start the rest of Kent’s campaign.
He noted: “The boys have been putting in, away from games and on the training paddock, and they’re as keen as anyone to make sure they put their best foot forward on Friday.
“There’s a big momentum to take into the one-dayers for this squad and then over back into the red-ball season, as well.”
Kent batsman Zak Crawley has kept his place in England’s squad for their second Test against the West Indies at Trent Bridge, starting today, as bowler Mark Wood replaces the retiring James Anderson in the only change to the team.
