In-form Thomas making the most of his chance

After some breakout one-day performances, Ivan Thomas revealed he had given up on hopes of a white-ball cricket career with Kent just two years ago. The 24-year-old right-armer claimed a career List A best of 3-31 to help whip out visitors Somerset for just 136 in the Royal London One-day Cup on Tuesday having taken 1-24 in four tight overs to help see-off Hampshire in the Natwest T20 Blast the previous Wednesday. His career-best T20 haul of 2- 42 came the previous week at Hampshire and he took 1-21 against Gloucestershire at Beckenham. Despite his form, Thomas claimed he accepted his role as back-up to David Griffiths and Mitch Claydon, though he admitted he was ‘very gutted’ to h a v e been left out in the T20 at Sussex on Friday and the 50-over defeat to Glamorgan on Sunday.

He said: “Personally I’m feeling in great form, some of the best form I have felt for Kent ever. I know my role though, there are a few niggles dotted around.

“Having Griff fit at the moment is excellent. I’m there ready when he needs a rest.

“He’s fighting fit at the moment but it’s good to give him a rest so he survives the season. He’s going to be a great asset for us – we have to use him correctly.

“I’m happy I’m able to come in and be on form when I get the call.

“Nobody’s ever going to be happy they’re not playing. I was very gutted I didn’t play (on Friday) but I know my role is filling that spot for Griff and Mitch.

“I knew my role was to go out and play as well as I can until Mitch was fit again. He deserves his place in the side because he’s done extremely well for us over the past couple of years – he’s in unbelievable form. I knew he was going to get the nod ahead of me.

“If I’m doing well in the games I’m playing then I’m happy and if I’m knocking on the door then that’s fine by me.”

Thomas did say it ‘100% feels like I’m establishing myself’ after an injury-plagued start to his Kent career, but revealed: “Two years ago I would have pretty much written off white ball for myself. I backed myself for a red-ball career.

“I’ve worked really hard on trying to come up with a few options for when I’m out there. At the moment I’m feeling very confident and back myself with those options I’ve got – it’s good to know the boys back me too when I come in. I’m pretty confident right now.”

Thomas lives with in-form batsman Daniel Bell-drummond and predicted of his housemate: “This is only the start for him, he’s an incredible talent and he’s going to go all the way.”