Gidman plays part in big win

Will Gidman starred with both bat and ball as Kent secured their third County Championship win of the season – a 10-wicket success over Worcestershire at Canterbury, writes JOE EVES.

Gidman, on a month’s loan from Nottinghamshire, made his Championship debut for Kent and passed 3,000 first-class runs with an unbeaten 75 and removed both Worcestershire openers in the second innings as the hosts pushed for victory to temporarily move to the top of Division 2.

Kent won the toss and elected to bowl and were rewarded for their decision as Mitch Claydon (5-42) took championship best figures for Kent.

He helped to bowl out the visitors for just 211 with Joe Clarke (69) top scoring.

In reply, Kent amassed 451, with Sean Dickson (79), Darren Stevens (81) and Gidman all scoring half-centuries. Some useful lower-order contributions from Matt Coles (41) and Claydon (46), pushed the lead to 240.

Gidman said: “I’d have loved to have scored a hundred but batting at No.8, it’s the last thing you’re expecting.

“I’m more thankful that Tredders, Colesy and Mitch hung around as long as they did and, in the context of the match, formed some vital partnerships with me.”

The home side were initially frustrated as the Worcestershire openers put on 94 in the second innings before Gidman dismissed George Rhodes for 55 and Daryl Mitchell for 43 in the space of three overs.

He said: “To get those two second-innings wickets with a slightly older ball and just as Worcestershire were forming a decent partnership was pleasing.

“On the whole I’m delighted with the way the bowling has gone since coming here.”

“I got slightly lucky with the first wicket. The lad George Rhodes was playing well but he started batting way out of his crease and, when I bowled him a really full one, he ended up yorking himself.

“Then, against Daryl Mitchell, that was one that moved back and hit him full in front.”

After a promising start, no Worcestershire batsman could offer the sort of resistance needed to save the game, with Stevens running through the lower order, taking 3-31.

The visitors were all out for 251, giving Kent the formality of making 12 which they did in 11 balls.