Athers hails Denly’s rise Kent cricket

Mike Atherton described Joe Denly as a great example to other county players ahead of his England Test debut against the West Indies in Antigua.

Denly, 32, became the 690th player capped by England in the game, which England lost inside three days, by 10 wickets to go 2-0 down in the three-match series.

Opening the innings with Surrey’s Rory Burns the Kent vice-captain made 6 and 17 as England were dismissed for 187 and 132.

The Windies totalled 306 in their first innings – Denly conceding just a single off his one over – and then knocked off the 14 needed without loss in 2.1 overs.

Former England skipper Atherton presented Denly with his England cap before the game and said the debutant’s recognition was well deserved.

He said: “So the last time I handed out one of these England caps was to 18-year-old Haseeb Hameed

“In terms of the age of England debutants you’re a little bit towards the other end of the spectrum but it’s no less an inspiring story for that.

“I think the resilience you’ve shown, the endurance you’ve shown, the way you’ve reinvented yourself in the last couple of years is a great example for everyone in the county game.

“I did ring that great man of Kent, Rob Key last night for some inside information and amid some rather unflattering observations he said that the key influence on your early career was your father Nick so I hope he’s watching this, I’m sure he’s watching this

“I hope both of you remember all the sacrifices you’ve made to get here, all of which are worthwhile now.

“You own one of these, wear it with pride, welcome to the club.”

Denly was brought into the team to replace Keaton Jennings after England had lost the opening Test, in Barbados, by 381 runs.

It is West Indies’ first Test series win over England since 2009 and their first against a side other than Bangladesh and Zimbabwe since 2012.

The third Test starts in St Lucia on Saturday.