Harry Finch is optimistic that a victory in Kent Spitfires’ final Metro Bank One-Day Cup match of the season can set the stage for a strong finish. Kent will conclude their 50-over cup campaign against Northants Steelbacks at Canterbury today, already out of contention for the knockout stages following a seven-run defeat to Durham last Sunday.
As Kent Spitfires’ wicketkeeper-batsman, Finch is eager to see his team build momentum with a win, despite a challenging season across all formats. The Spitfires will next face Worcestershire in County Championship Division 1 starting next Thursday, where they aim to avoid relegation and salvage their season.
“It’s been a tough middle period for us across all formats,” Finch said. “A win would give us momentum. We’ve played well in this competition, with close losses and strong performances.”
Finch noted that winning the last T20 game boosted confidence and helped in the current format, hoping for similar success as they transition back to four-day cricket. With a high-scoring match against Durham highlighting the importance of spin, Finch praised the contributions of bowlers Jaydn Denly and Marcus O’Riordan, as well as Matt Parkinson and Jack Leaning.
Australian bowler Charlie Stobo, who broke a finger in the warm-up before the Durham match, will be assessed by the club’s physios as they prepare for the Worcestershire game. Stobo played through the injury but batted lower in the order due to the pain.
Kent’s squad for the upcoming game includes Leaning, Denly, Evison, Finch, Garrett, Gilchrist, O’Riordan, Parkinson, Qadri, E. Singh, J. Singh, Stewart, and Swanepoel.
