Blake deal is first of its kind

Kent batsman Alex Blake has become the county’s first solely white-ball contracted home grown player.

Blake has been seen as a oneday specialist for many seasons but his new contract at Kent means he will only play oneday matches. Thedealiscommonatmany other counties around the county and means Blake will no longer feature in the County Championship for Kent. The 30-year-old has extended his deal at Kent until the end of the 2022 season.

In one-day competition, Blake has scored 2,125 runs in 106 matches at an average of 30.35, amassing 12 scores of 50 or above and one List A century – 116 from 58 balls against Somerset in 2017. Blake has a career T20 strike rate of 135.33, scoring 1,601 runs in his 117 T20 appearances for the Spitfires.

Blake said: “I’ve enjoyed a good career so far as a Kent player and I’m excited that I can focus on my white-ball game for the Kent Spitfires. “I really enjoyed playing redball cricket for Kent, especially scoring my 105 not out against Yorkshire in 2010, but limited overs matches are where my passion lies.

“The Kent Spitfires are definitely going places in whiteball cricket.”

Kent director of cricket Paul Downton said: “I’m excited that Alex has become our first white ball only contracted domestic player. He is already a brilliant striker of a cricket ball and an outstanding fielder.

“By focussing purely on his white ball game, we believe Alex can become a really consistent match-winner for Kent.”

Alex Blake will only play white-ball cricket from now on for Kent after signing a new contract