Tawanda Muyeye brings an X-factor to Kent Spitfires.
That’s the verdict of skipper Sam Billings after Muyeye marked his return to the side with a half-century in Sunday’s Vitality Blast defeat at Hampshire.
A day after hitting 103 off 68 balls for Bromley in the Kent League Premier Division, Muyeye looked a class apart with 50 off 30 balls at the Rose Bowl.
It was Muyeye’s first Spitfires outing since late May due to concussion protocols.
“Tawanda showed his skill set,” enthused Billings. “He’s different. He puts pressure on bowlers without even trying to do anything.
“He just hits good balls for four or six, which is a sign of a really top player. In T20, you need that X-factor.
“You have guys who come back pretty normally and give themselves a chance, but he’s one of those guys that you let be a free spirit and play the way he plays.
“Sonny Baker was bowling near 90mph and he kept hitting him further and further, with those pull shots off good-length balls.
“Obviously, you can’t take a risk with head injuries, but it’s great to see him back.”
Billings also praised the bravery shown by former England international Joe Denly.
The 40-year-old hobbled out to bat in the final over, having been off the field for all but three overs of the Hampshire innings after taking a nasty blow to his leg.
Denly left the ground on crutches but Billings could not fault his dedication. It left a big hole in Kent’s batting line-up.
“The batting definitely kills you,” said Billings. “That depth, having that experience in the middle overs, I think that is priceless in this format of the game.
“It’s just a real shame for Joe because he’s such a quality individual and the fact he wanted to go out there at the end, to go out there and give it a go, sums the guy up.
“He’s world-class in every aspect. Certainly, as a captain, they’re the kind of people you want in your side and in your dressing room.”
On not having Denly available to bowl, Billings added: “I hate personally as a captain going into games with five bowling options.
“You need five-and-a-half bowling options, or six if possible. It’s a shame, but it was just one of those things that we had to work through.”
