Kentish Gazette Canterbury & District
RUGBY Overseas hitch
KENT’S BID TO SIGN INTERNATIONAL FAST BOWLER BEING SCUPPERED BY INJURIES
Kent’s hopes of unveiling an overseas player to join them for the opening three months of the season have been hit by injury.
Kent were hoping to announce the signing of an international fast bowler this week but have been hampered by the reluctance of international boards to release players on the eve of the ICC Champions Trophy, which will take place in England in June.
To make matters worse, the Gazette has learned that injuries to two of the club’s shortlisted candidates have scuppered their plans, although Kent were in talks with another target this week.
Meanwhile, the club are hopeful that progress is being made in their bid to appoint an interim assistant coach – widely believed to be Jason Gillespie – before the start of the Championship season next month.
The club have agreed terms on a short-term deal but the ECB are currently working on ratifying the coach’s visa and qualifications ahead of rubber-stamping the deal.
One new face at pre- season training, which began in Canterbury on Monday, was that of Joe Weatherley, a 20-year-old former England under-19s batsman who arrives from Hampshire on a year’s loan.
Head coach Matt Walker said: “It’s another fine young batter in the squad.
“I haven’t seen too much of him but he’s highly regarded by Hampshire. He’s organised, ambitious and is a good lad. He’s fitted in brilliantly.
“He has an experienced head on young shoulders and has captained England under19s so he’s got a decent cricket brain.”
He added: “He adds to our batting unit. I know he’s a Hampshire player but I said to him he’s part of our squad and challenging for a first team place like all our players.
“He gives us a bit of depth and creates a bit of competition for places. I hope he puts some pressure on.”
Walker claimed first XI places were up for grabs before the first Championship game at home to Gloucestershire on April 7, adding: “We have been a fairly settled top five for the past year but it’s not to say someone can’t force their way in.
“At the start of the year you want to have
‘I have no fixed idea in my head of what that first team will look like’
an open mind. I have no fixed idea in my head of what that first team will look like, that’s up to other people to push their claim. That’s what pre season is about.” Kent will not have a vice-captain this summer, with a committee of senior players including Will Gidman, Mitch Claydon and Sam Billings called upon to step up should Sam Northeast be unavailable for any reason. Walker said: “We’re lucky to have some experienced players in our camp. We don’t feel we need one. “We have a good group of players and some good senior players who we want to encourage to create individual leadership roles that can hopefully take the side forward.”