Stevens wants new contract
Darren Stevens wants to play for Kent for at least another two years.
The 40-year-old all-rounder celebrated his 500th game for the county in the Royal London Cup One-Day defeat against Yorkshire last week but is out of contract at the end of the season.
Stevens gave a timely reminder of his ability by scoring a century on the second day of Kent’s County Championship game at Gloucestershire on Wednesday.
Stevens said: “The physios have told me things are all good and that I can play for another two seasons comfortably as long as I look after myself.
“I sat down with (Chairman of Cricket) Graham Johnson a few weeks ago, he asked me my thoughts and I told him I have still got the fight and that the fitness guys say I could play another year definitely and possibly another one.
“I have gone to them and told them the situation and I have just got to wait for the club to come back to me. Hopefully, they will do soon.”
Stevens also revealed that his benefit year has proved difficult and admitted it had affected his form.
He added: “It’s been tough, I am not going to lie. People said it would be one of the toughest years I would have but I didn’t want to get into that mindset, so we got everything done, planned everything and I would have hoped it would have run a little bit smoother.
“It has probably shown in my performances because I have just ticked over really.
“In the past I have got my runs and wickets and I am not quite there at the moment.
“You don’t want your mind being elsewhere but there are functions to organise and people to get to.
“The lads said it’s a lot on my plate trying to compete in all forms as well but I want to finish the year strongly.”
He admitted he was unaware of the milestone adding: “I heard Nick Knight mention it on Sky at the toss but I didn’t even know.
“500 games in all formats - I like that and it’s a good effort that.”
Stevens scored his 45th List A half-century against Yorkshire last Thursday, adding 84 in 13 overs with Alex Blake who fell just after completing a fine 50 himself.
Stevens said: “We needed that innings to give us a bit of impetus, and Blakey came in and took it to them.
“He is a class player and the selectors should be looking at him for the England Lions.
“He is such a clean hitter and an outstanding fielder and I just hope they were watching and saw a bit of magic in him.”