BELL: ZAK AND I’LL BLAST IT!

OPENER Daniel BellDrummond is hoping to inspire Kent to a first T20 finals day in over a decade after being inspired by his mate at the other end of the pitch.

That mate just happens to be Zak Crawley, the maker of the highest Test score this summer, who will be continuing his T20 opening partnership with Bell-Drummond at The Oval tomorrow.

It is a pairing that has played a major part in getting Kent to the Blast quarter-finals against Surrey and, with h Joe Denly and Sam Billings to follow, it is a top four of serious talent.

An England Lion, BellDrummond is the he only one of the f four not to have played for a full England side this summer, although, as the tournament’s top runscorer so far, he shouldn’t feel out of place.

And, having watched Crawley (circle) strike 267 in the Test team and Billings hit his maiden ODI ton against Australia, the hunger to join them is as great as it has ever been.

“We’ve got a pretty decent batting line-up,” said the 27-year-old. “And it’s a good partnership between me and Zak.

“He’s had a great summer, he’s a top-class player, he’s stepped up a gear with what he’s done and he’s bringing people along with him. He smashed 16 from his first over in the Blast and it sort of kicked me into gear and got me going. I thought, ‘Why not strike it like him?’ – and it worked.

“I’m not about to compare myself to a guy whose last international knock was a double hundred, but it does give you a bit of confidence when you see your teammate thrive like that.”

Bell-Drummond (above) has long been tipped to step up from county and Lions cricket to international honours, but it hasn hasn’t happened

yet yet.

After showing leadership qualities as skipper when Billings has b been away and sco scoring important runs th this summer, though, he has the chance to put Kent and himself forward with a big finish.

“I want to be in the international set-up just like the other guys and Test cricket is the pinnacle, but I’ve got to look after the business with Kent first,” he said.

Essex captain Tom Westley has apologised after alcohol was poured over a Muslim player as the team celebrated their Bob Willis Trophy win.

Feroze Khushi, 12th man against Somerset, was photographed recoiling as beer was poured over him on the balcony at Lord’s.