Kentish Gazette Canterbury & District
Stevens on Kent’s T20 frustrations
BUT DESPITE LIMITED ROLE, STEVENS WILL DO ALL HE CAN TO HELP SPITFIRES WIN
Darren Stevens has lifted the lid on his frustration over his limited role in Kent’s side in Natwest T20 Blast so far this season.
The all-rounder has been the Spitfires’ talisman in the format for much of the past decade and has played more than 200 T20 matches, is closing in on 4,000 runs and has taken 112 wickets at an average of 25
he 41-year-old has, however, been a more peripheral figure in the opening 10 games of this year’s competition, batting down the order and being handed limited bowling opportunities – something he revealed he has taken up with coach Matt Walker and skipper Sam Northeast.
Since he went for 0- 43 from four overs in the opening game against Essex, Stevens had bowled only one over each in six games and not at all in two others before he was entrusted with three overs, taking 2-25 in Friday’s loss to Sussex.
Stevens said: “I’m frustrated that I haven’t bowled as many overs as I’d like and batted higher up the order but we did sit down at the start of the season and Walks made it clear what my role would be.
“I took it on the chin. You look at the bowlers we have got, most of the time we have four seamers and a spinner or two. He’s got lots to choose from. You can understand it, it’s just harsh on people who don’t bowl.”
In five of Kent’s 10 games, Stevens has not batted, facing just 57 balls in the five innings in which he has gone to the middle, scoring 68 runs.
His trademark six against Sussex on Friday was his first this season.
In two of the 10 matches, he did not bat or bowl.
He added: “The top order have been going well. Deebz and Joe Denly have been phenomenal, Sammy (skipper Sam Northeast) has been brilliant.
“Neesh (Jimmy Neesham) came in and played nicely in the first couple of games. Me and Blakey ( Alex Blake) just need to click now.”
He added: “I made it clear I was frustrated and they understand that. I’ve been around long enough and played enough games and got us through.
“But I understand where we are as a team, it’s not about individuals, it’s about the side.
“If that’s the role they need me to play, I’ll do it every day of the week.
“I want to play and win games for Kent, if that’s how I have to do it, I’ll do it.
“I can show my frustration but I’ll still do whatever we need. It’s frustrating because of all the years I’ve put in and where I’ve been batting over the years but it’s a different role, a different challenge.
“I’m still playing because I thrive on these situations, big games, big crowds.
“It’s been hard sitting and watching and I’ve not been doing too much, so it’s a bit frustrating but that is the way we went about it.”
Stevens did open the bowling for the fifth time on Friday and has conceded just 29 runs from those 30 balls.
‘I want to play and win games for Kent, if that’s how I have to do it, I’ll do it’