Kent Spitfires fast bowler Nathan Gilchrist has explained some of the biggest challenges he faces in T20 Blast cricket.
Gilchrist only made his Blast bow for Kent last year but featured in seven of the first 10 South Group games this campaign.
The right-arm paceman was Kent’s top wicket-taker in the County Championship in 2022, leading to an England Lions call-up, but playing in the Blast is a different kettle of fish.
He said: “In red-ball cricket, you can kind of rely on four or five different skills and just try to do them for a long period of time whereas T20 cricket is very unpredictable.
“Obviously, batters like to come hard. That’s probably the biggest difference.
“But I’m always trying to learn, improve and, hopefully, I’ll be able to play many more T20s in the future.”
While Spitfires skipper Sam Billings and head coach Adam Hollioake have shown faith in Gilchrist, it doesn’t mean he hasn’t been left out on occasions.
“It’s kind of been between me and Matt Parkinson (depending on) whether we want to play an extra seamer or a spinner,” said Gilchrist.
“So, it’s been a little bit stop-start but, any opportunity, I’m grateful for. I’m just trying to put on some good performances.
“I know that I can do it and it’s just about getting the confidence because I haven’t done it as much as I have in red-ball cricket, which I’ve played much more in, but that’ll come with time.
“It’s just about honing in my skills and getting better each game and enjoying it, as well.”
Zimbabwe-born Gilchrist has made an impact when given the nod in the Blast, though.
He got his best T20 figures of 3-31 in Friday’s 34-run defeat to Sussex Sharks and has also taken wickets in hard-fought wins at Gloucestershire and Somerset.
They are performances which vindicate the 25-year-old’s positive mindset.
Gilchrist said: “Opportunities can come out of nowhere. I think everyone in the squad is aware of that and ready to go when the opportunity does come calling.
“For me personally, I’ve been a bit in and out, but I prepare for every game as if I’m going to play, just so that I’m ready mentally and physically so all my skills are in order. All of us in the squad are prepared to play every game.
“If the opportunity arises, I’ll try to grab it with both hands.”
Harry Finch has made the most of batting at No.3, in place of Zak Crawley, and he made 56 from 26 balls against his old club in Spitfires’ loss to Sussex.
“He, obviously, had big shoes to fill because Zak played really well when he was with us,” said Gilchrist. “But we all know what Harry can do and he showed it on Friday night.
“He started a little bit slow but he caught-up very quickly.”
After losing to Sussex, Kent were thrashed at Glamorgan on Sunday by six wickets despite Jack Leaning’s 45 not out in a paltry total of 118-9 in 20 overs.
While back-to-back defeats have hindered prospects of a top-four finish for Kent, due to visit Sussex Sharks tomorrow, it’s all to play for in a tight group.
Gilchrist will hope to be involved in Friday’s match against old club Somerset in Canterbury before the visit of Middlesex on Sunday – the latter forming part of a double header with the women’s side in action earlier in the day.
“I think we’re not far away,” said Gilchrist. “With T20 cricket, once you get on a roll, it can be pretty hard to stop.
“If we can just get on a roll in the next few games, no doubt, we’ll be up there.”
Wicketkeeper-batsman Chris Benjamin, who was initially ruled out for the summer after he dislocated his shoulder last month, “will be closely monitored moving forward considering a longer-term plan for full rehabilitation work” after featuring in last weekend’s Kent League Premier Division win for Minster.
All-rounder Grant Stewart has been playing for Italy in their ICC men’s T20 World Cup Europe Qualifier campaign and will return to Kent after their final game against The Netherlands on Friday.
Australian overseas bowler Wes Agar has had difficulties obtaining an extended work visa to continue his third summer with the county.
Ex-Kent seam bowler Matt Milnes bowled a wicket maiden for Yorkshire in Friday’s high-scoring 41-run T20 Blast win over Worcestershire Rapids as he continues his return to action after three stress fractures in three years.
