Donald likes what he sees

Allan Donald has been impressed with Kent’s bowlers in the early stages of their preseason tour in Antigua. The former South African international has started his role as assistant coach of the club and is leading the tour with 2nd XI coach Min Patel. Donald was full of praise for Kent’s bowling attack as they bowled out Jamaica for 156 in their second Super50 match on Sunday. Ivan Thomas and Joe Denly both took career bests of 4-30 and 4-35 respectively. He said: “Ivan Thomas was fantastic and Mitch Claydon was just very simple and bowled a good spell in the first five overs for not much damage. “Ivan bowled so much better than the other game. It was a nervy start for him but he settled down. “Captain Joe Denly was fantastic and I look forward to working with him and he will be a great asset in four-day cricket for us as well. He’s got great control and composure and there’s no doubt in Championship cricket he will be an asset. I was delighted with what I saw from his bowling.” Kent’s run chase started off poorly with the side losing three early wickets before Alex Blake’s 74 not out saw them home. Donald added: “We bowled them out for a small score, then had to come in and bat before lunch. Having been five down for 60 odd was a blow. “Alex Blake was just fantastic with Adam Rouse. That partnership saw us home. “Deservedly so, Alex Blake got man-of-the-match. “The atmosphere is good and the win was a huge confidence booster taking us forward.”