New batting coach named

Kent have appointed a new batting coach to replace Ryan ten Doeschate.

Alex Gidman - the older brother of former Kent allrounder Will Gidman - joins after a four-year stint as head coach at Worcestershire. That spell included winning the 2018 Vitality Blast after a 15-year playing career at both Worcestershire and Gloucestershire, captaining the Bristol-based side for five years. He stepped down as Worcestershire head coach in October.

Gidman, 41, said: “I’m excited to join Kent Cricket ahead of the start of the season. “I’m looking forward to working with a talented group of players.

“I hope I can bring my experience as a player, captain and coach to help the team perform across all formats and build on the two trophies they have won over the past couple of seasons.”

Ten Doeschate has left St Lawrence to pursue opportunities in franchise cricket overseas.

Kent director of cricket Paul Downton said: “We’re delighted to welcome Alex to the club.

“He brings a wealth of cricketing experience with him which I have no doubt will be of benefit to all our batters, as well as being an important part of the boot room as we head into the 2023 season.”

Gidman made more than 500 appearances in his professional career, including 194 County Championship matches.

The batsman scored more than 11,000 runs before he retired in February 2016. Brother Will played for Kent from 2016 until he retired in 2018 to himself move into coaching.

He initially joined on loan from Nottinghamshire in July 2016.

Having left The Spitfire Ground, ten Doeschate is set to join the Kolkata Knight Riders as their fielding coach for this year’s Indian Premier League.